How to help the victims of Hurricane Helene

A spokesperson for World Central Kitchen tells TODAY.com in an email that the company operates 35 food trucks, partners with 16 restaurants and establishes high-performance field production kitchens in Clearwater, Florida and Asheville, North Carolina.

The spokesman added that World Central Kitchen is flying multiple helicopters over Florida and North Carolina to determine where the need for help is greatest. “We visit communities, talk to leaders and see for ourselves where we can send food,” says the spokesman.

People can donate on the World Central Kitchen website.

How to help schools

The nonprofit organization Save the Children is rehabilitating schools and daycare centers affected by the hurricane while also providing them with supplies.

“In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Save the Children is working with partners to meet the needs of children and families in the path of the powerful storm,” Jeremy Soulliere, a spokesman for Save the Children, told TODAY.com in an email. “Save the Children is providing emergency supplies before the hurricane, helping to ensure that vital, child-friendly supplies get into the hands of the children and families most affected by the storm – including hygiene kits, diapers and baby wipes as classroom cleaning kits for schools and Daycare centers.”

Soulliere adds that Save the Children has a “psychosocial support team” and is planning long-term recovery support for the mental health needs of children and caregivers in the devastated areas.

People can contribute to the organization’s emergency children’s fund on the organization’s website.

How to support people’s mental health

The hurricane endangered many people not only physically but also psychologically. The aftereffects of a disaster such as a hurricane or flood can include stress, sleep problems, depression and post-traumatic stress, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

The American Red Cross offers the services of Disaster Mental Health Volunteers, a group of 3,000 mental health professionals ready to listen and help.

“Many people are struggling with repeated trauma and loss due to Hurricane Helene,” Daniel Parra, a Red Cross spokesman, told TODAY.com. “The challenges they face can feel overwhelming and it is normal to feel fear, sadness and anger. With the help of our partners, the Red Cross provides recovery services, including mental health and spiritual care, to disaster survivors.”

To find disaster resources, including mental health and spiritual care resources, you can visit resources.redcross.org.

If you work in the mental health field, you can volunteer or simply donate to the American Red Cross.

Parra added, “We encourage people to make a financial donation by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).”

Help relieve stress at a comfort station

In hurricane-hit places like Florida and Georgia, “comfort stations” are springing up where people can rest and recharge.

In Florida, for example, Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa opened six comfort stations.

“The comfort stations provide showers, toilets, ice, washers and dryers for laundry, as well as charging stations for phones, laptops and other communication devices,” reads a press release on Hillsborough County, Florida’s official website. “Hot meals or prepackaged meals are available for lunch and dinner.”

A Hillsborough County spokesperson tells TODAY.com that those interested in donating can call the hotline at (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676. “Needs change every day, so it would be helpful if they called first to make sure the donation meets the need,” the spokesperson says.

Although not all comfort stations accept donations, some can redirect people to other resources. For example, a spokesman for Pasco County, Florida, which has opened two comfort stations, tells TODAY.com in an email that those wanting to help can visit the Red Cross or other charitable donation sites.

All charities listed here have been reviewed and approved by NBC News.