In response to the hurricane devastation, our friends at ABA launched a Disaster Relief Resource Center to assist affected communities.

As part of the tour, travel, and motorcoach industries, there are several ways to contribute—whether through offering time, services, or donations.

These suggestions are meant to inspire action and collaboration and should serve as a starting point for helping our communities rebuild.

How Members Can Help

Step 1: Engage with Your Community and Government

One of the first steps to mobilizing relief efforts is connecting with your local officials, government agencies, and community leaders. By collaborating with these entities, you can coordinate your resources accordingly. Consider the following actions:

• Contact your municipalities or local governments to inquire about specific needs and ways to assist with disaster response efforts in your area.
• Coordinate with area charities, such as food banks, shelters, and community aid organizations, to determine where your organization can have the greatest impact.
• Mobilize volunteers from your local businesses, operators, hotels, and attractions network to contribute time, resources, or services to recovery efforts.

Step 2: Collaborate with Relief Organizations

Many non-profit and disaster relief organizations are experienced in responding to natural disasters. They can provide guidance on where your contributions are needed most and how you can support long-term recovery efforts.

• Partner with national and local relief organizations actively working on the ground to ensure your efforts are aligned with broader recovery initiatives.
• Use your digital channels to amplify donation campaigns, fundraising events, or calls for volunteers, engaging locals and visitors to assist.

How Operator Members Can Help

Operators are in a unique position to offer crucial services in disaster-affected areas. Here are some suggestions for how you can assist:

• Offer transportation services to evacuate affected individuals or bring relief workers into impacted areas. Contact your municipalities, emergency services, and other related organizations to see if they require transportation assistance.
• Coordinate with area and regional charities to transport essential supplies like food, water, and clothing. You can also reach out to your region’s visitor bureaus, hospitality chains, and other travel partners to see if they need to transport donated items to affected areas.
• Contact local shelters and government agencies to provide bus services for community relocations or large-scale transportation needs during recovery efforts.

By leveraging your fleet and transportation expertise, you can play a crucial role in helping communities rebuild by delivering resources where they are needed most.

Disaster Relief Organizations for Monetary Contributions

For those interested in contributing financially to disaster relief, the following organizations are trusted, well-established options. This list is just a starting point; you may find many other worthy organizations in your local area in need of monetary donations:

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is on the ground helping people impacted by the storm in Western North Carolina. Visit their site to find a shelter or make a donation. You can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text “Helene” to 90999 to request assistance anytime.

Tourism Cares

This nonprofit is well known for bringing different sectors of the travel industry together during times of disaster relief. Donate here.

Direct Relief

Specializing in medical supplies and health services, Direct Relief works globally to support those impacted by emergencies, ensuring access to critical care.

Contribute to their relief efforts.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides emergency disaster services for victims and first responders, such as food distribution and shelter.

Learn more about their disaster services.

PBA Member Support

Looking for ways to collaborate with other businesses in your region? PBA members may be offering additional services and support to hurricane victims. Use the PBA Member Directory to search for members in your area that might be looking to partner in disaster recovery efforts.

Visit ABA's Motorcoach Companies Helping Communities page for more detailed stories about how the motorcoach industry is helping communities affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton. It also includes a list of organizations willing and able to collaborate with others to help those in need.

Finally, please be safe and follow all emergency and onsite agency directions. Check state and federal DOT websites for information on closures, relief checkpoints, and other important information. Stay safe as we embark to help those in need.

Thank you for all that you are doing in this time of crisis and need.