NAHUNTA, Ga. – After overwhelming support poured in from local communities and surrounding areas, the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office is accepting donations again.
The department briefly paused donations to coordinate distribution for first responders battling the Highway 82 wildfire.
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The fire, which has shut down schools and roads and prompted mandatory evacuations in several areas, remained stable overnight and is now 15% contained, according to county officials. The number of structures lost grew to 87, with about 5,000 acres impacted.
MORE: Full coverage of the Brantley County wildfire
At this time, there are no unmet needs for the firefighters, so the community is asked to focus donation efforts on affected residents.
If you are looking to donate, here’s where you can drop off donations:
Brantley Gas
- 114 Satilla Avenue, Nahunta, Georgia
- Contact: Emerald Heinritz – 850-694-9400
- Items Needed:
- Empty 27-gallon totes with lids
- Hangers
- Hygiene items
- New or gently used clothing
H & S Car Haulers
- 125 Industrial Park, Nahunta, Georgia
- Contacts:
- Jessica Johns – 912-288-5697
- Amanda Herrin – 912-288-3993
- Items Needed:
- Pet food
- Non-perishable food items
Donations at these locations are being managed and distributed locally to reach those in need as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“We appreciate the continued generosity of our community and ask that donations be directed through these coordinated and trusted channels to ensure the greatest impact,” the sheriff’s office said.
A central distribution point is being established for managing all donations, and information will be shared as it becomes available.
The sheriff’s office also warned people about GoFundMe accounts circulating online, stating that they are not official or verified channels for donations in wake of the wildfire devastation.
A GoFundMe spokesperson shared the following statement with News4JAX:
“Our hearts go out to the communities impacted by the wildfires in South Georgia. We have a team of experts working around the clock to review fundraisers for wildfire relief and prevent misuse. During humanitarian disasters and other crises, our team proactively monitors and verifies fundraisers so the communities impacted can receive the quick and trusted support they need. To help keep the platform safe, donations are processed by our payment partners, held, and then released only to the person named as the recipient of the funds (the beneficiary). Before funds are transferred to the beneficiary, their personal information must be verified. This process includes both a robust human review from our world-class Trust & Safety experts as well as technical tools designed to catch misuse.”
(Note: Individual GoFundMe accounts shared by News4JAX have been verified by GoFundMe)
Any future donation requests will be shared on the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
In the meantime, those who wish to support the families affected can make monetary donations.
“Many of those impacted have been displaced and do not currently have a place to store physical items,” the Sheriff’s Office explained.
Donations can be made through Georgia VOAD, the official channel, at www.gavoad.org. When donating, you can select either the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army and note that the contribution is for Brantley County.
The nearby City of Hoboken is also coming together to support those who have lost everything by accepting donations.
The city is accepting the following NEW or GENTLY USED items:
- Non-Perishable Food: Canned goods, bottled water, snacks, and pop-top meals.
- Toiletries: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products.
- Clothing: All sizes (Infant to Adult), including new socks and underwear.
- Baby Supplies: Diapers, wipes, and formula.
- Bedding: Clean blankets, pillows, and towels.
- Please Note: We ask that all clothing be clean and in good condition.
“Every little bit helps. Let’s show these families the strength and heart of Hoboken! Please SHARE this post to spread the word,” the City of Nahunta wrote.
For questions regarding specific needs or large donations, please contact City Hall at 912-458-2171.
On Saturday, there are also plans for a rally for people who lost homes in other communities like Atkinson and Waynesville. It will take place at Heron Stadium and there are plans for churches, clubs, groups and residents to set up tables of donated items for those in need, between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
And Brantley County High School is also collecting donations and offering support for families affected by the wildfire.
“During difficult times like these, we want to make sure every student and family feels supported and cared for,” the school wrote.