Cleveland organizations help hurricane victims

By Anna Toth

In a very short amount of time, Hurricanes Harvey and Irma displaced thousands of Americans, taking away their homes, their possessions and even loved ones. For many of us, it’s an experience that can never be understood or properly put into words.

While there are many national organizations accepting donations and providing aid to hurricane victims in both Texas and Florida, local Cleveland organizations and affiliates are doing what they can to raise money and provide aid to those who need it most.

After the devastation in Texas from Hurricane Harvey, the Cleveland Indians Charities started accepting donations that would help Texans recover. Indians outfielder Jay Bruce and his wife, Hannah Bryce, offered to match donations up to $100,000.

When the last donations were accepted on Sept. 10, a total of $219,869.03 was donated. Adding in the $100,000 from Bruce and his wife, this made for grand total of $319,869.03.

The Cleveland Orchestra held a “Help After Harvey” concert, with the proceeds going to the American Red Cross. The event, held at Severance Hall on Friday, Sept. 1, featured musicians from many prominent musical institutions in Cleveland.

Just as musicians from Cleveland’s musical institutions are coming together to form a dynamic orchestra, the people of Cleveland will come together to show support for those affected by Hurricane Harvey, the Cleveland Orchestra said in a statement published on Fox8.com.

In some areas around Cleveland, whole communities pulled together to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters called for citizens to donate cash and supplies to support victims in Humble, Texas and collected donations through Sept. 12.

While a lot of the initial aide and support came just after Hurricane Harvey and just before Hurricane Irma, Florida wasn’t forgotten. Around 17 people from Northeast Ohio volunteered with the Red Cross to help flood victims in Florida. The Ohio National Guard also sent soldiers to Florida to help with the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Irma as well.

This is just some of what Cleveland has done to help the thousands of people that have been displaced.