In the wake of Hurricane Michael’s devastation to the Florida Panhandle and Southeast region, the UCF Student Union will be serving as the donation center for a relief drive through the weekend.

Nonperishable food, water, clothes, linens or small household items will be collected and sent to communities affected by the storm. Donors can drop off items under the stairs in the atrium before 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 15. The Student Union is located at 12715 Pegasus Dr.

Examples of items in need include:

  • Bottled water
  • Canned tuna and chicken
  • Canned beans/chili
  • Canned or dried fruits
  • Soup
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Instant coffee
  • Pasta and pasta sauce
  • Soap
  • Sheets/blankets
  • Manual can openers
  • Disposable plates/silverware
  • If you are unable to bring items to the Student Union but are still interested in making a donation, there are a number of charities you can contribute to that will help support relief efforts in the immediate aftermath of the storm. It is important to verify an organization’s credibility before donating.

    Charity Navigator, an organization that evaluates charities, has a page that includes the names of reputable charities. “Relief for Hurricane Michael” is listed at the top of the web page’s Hot Topics tab.