A CAUTION ABOUT FRAUD
We will be seeing overwhelming news media coverage and a lot of heartbreaking stories coming out of the Bahamas for the next several weeks. There will be numerous requests for assistance, and unfortunately some of them will be fraudulent.
Every major disaster creates a massive opportunity for fraud and this one will be no different.
Be sure that any donations you make are to a legitimate, long-established organization. Examples include the Red Cross, Salvation Army, various United Way units, etc. Those organizations are not only legit, but they also have the infrastructure to actually deliver aid to those who need it.
DO NOT give money to any Go Fund Me or similar website no matter how legit it may look. It is a very simple matter to copy photos from the Internet and create a very compelling website for fraud.
The BEST thing to give is money. There have been appeals already for food, sanitary supplies, etc, but those things will be provided by South Florida and by the US, British, and Bahamian governments. Supplies donated to well-meaning organizations just pile up in warehouses and create a logistical nightmare. Money is much more flexible and helpful.
But be sure the gift you give will actually matter. Give to well-established organizations.