Doral, Fla. – Volunteers Rally to Prepare for Hurricane Milton’s Impact
As Hurricane Milton looms, volunteers from the Global Empowerment Movement (GEM) are once again stepping up to support communities in need. Just weeks after delivering truckloads of supplies to Florida’s west coast, the organization is mobilizing resources to brace for the impending storm.
Michael Capponi, founder and CEO of GEM, expressed the urgency of the situation: “Here we are again, in this very horrendous situation. Since Hurricane Helene, we’ve sent 30 full-size trucks with over a million and a half dollars worth of essential supplies.”
Other local organizations are joining the effort. In Broward County, Feeding South Florida dispatched semi trucks loaded with water, food, MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), and diapers. “We’re worried about our neighbors,” said Paco Velez, President and CEO of Feeding South Florida, highlighting concerns for sister food banks in Tampa, Sarasota, and Fort Myers.
In Homestead, the Farm Share food bank is staging pallets of supplies near the anticipated impact areas. CEO Stephen Shelley emphasized their focus on the crucial first 10 to 15 days after the storm, ensuring that food reaches communities as a primary response.
These organizations are not only preparing for immediate needs but also planning for long-term recovery. Capponi noted that they often receive large amounts of cleaning supplies, which they distribute to local organizations for volunteer teams. “We’re very focused on getting people back to life as soon as possible,” he added, mentioning the need for rebuilding materials like drywall to help families return home.
All of these organizations welcome monetary donations, and GEM is also seeking bulk items and volunteers to assist with packing efforts.
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