The cash and in-kind contributions will benefit three nonprofit organizations and help highlight storm recovery efforts across the state.
Comcast NBCUniversal today announced it will provide $200,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to three community organizations in Florida. The donation will support ongoing disaster relief and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene’s landfall in the state. As technicians work tirelessly to repair network damage from the devastating storm, Comcast’s contributions will help ensure communities can access vital resources during this time of extraordinary need.
Comcast will donate $100,000 in cash – $25,000 to Second Harvest of the Big Bend of Tallahassee, FL, $25,000 to All Faiths Food Bank of Sarasota, FL and $50,000 to Volunteer Florida Foundation of Tallahassee, FL. The organization will also provide $100,000 worth of in-kind contributions via airtime for public service announcements to help keep impacted Florida communities safe and informed.
Second Harvest of the Big Bend, a Tallahassee-based food bank, serves 16 counties in Florida including some of the hardest-hit areas.
“Across Florida’s Big Bend, we’re seeing a tremendous need. Our resources can only go so far. With Comcast’s donation, we’ll be able to support more families who are working to put together their lives after Hurricane Helene,” said Monique Ellsworth, CEO of Second Harvest of the Big Bend. “For years, Comcast has been a trusted partner to us especially in times of need. Today, Comcast once again is lending a hand, and we thank them for their generosity.”
“Here in Perry, we pride ourselves on being good neighbors. We lean on each other when times get tough. That’s exactly what we’re doing now, coming together to rebuild after Hurricane Helene,” said Mayor Ward Ketring, City of Perry. “We want to thank Comcast for being that good neighbor and making sure our community can access high-speed, reliable Internet during this time. Their commitment to getting their network back up after the storm and being present on the ground is commendable.”
All Faiths Food Bank of Sarasota, founded in 1989, is the largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.
“All Faiths Food Bank is committed to doing everything we can to help our neighbors who have suffered devastating loss from Hurricane Helene – but we can’t do it alone,” said Nelle S. Miller, president and CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. “Donations from partners like Comcast are essential to bringing critical food, water, and emergency supplies to people in need in our communities. Thank you to Comcast for investing in our food bank and supporting our efforts to end hunger.”
“Hurricane Helene didn’t just flood streets and down powerlines, it left many in need of basic necessities,” said Sarasota County Commissioner Mark Smith. “Having served on the board of All Faiths Food Bank, I know of the extraordinary contributions their donors, partners, staff, and volunteers make in times like this. We appreciate Comcast for being among those partners—teaming up to meet our county’s needs.”
Volunteer Florida was established to administer national service programs throughout the state and has since taken a role in managing volunteers and donations during times of disaster.
“On behalf of Volunteer Florida, we extend our gratitude to Comcast for their generous contribution to the Florida Disaster Fund in support of the statewide recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene,” said Josie Tamayo, CEO of Volunteer Florida. “With Comcast’s investment in our organization, we are better positioned to provide essential support when it matters most.”
Comcast is working in tandem with government entities and elected officials to ensure aid reaches Floridians as quickly as possible.
“Some of the areas impacted the worst are places where we proudly serve customers and where our team members call home. This is personal to us, which is why we’re proud to support these trusted partners who are working every day to care for our neighbors. This is the time for all of us – business, community and government – to come together as one,” said Jeff Buzzelli, Senior Vice President for Comcast’s Florida Region. “As we work to bring every community in our footprint back online, we’re committed to being here for the long haul and supporting organizations giving back.”
Comcast Working Night and Day to Restore Service in Impacted Areas
With thousands of generators prepared and placed across impacted regions to supply temporary power, Comcast has also opened over 360,000 Xfinity WiFi Hotspots, including 105,000 in the company’s Florida Region, to help everyone stay connected during this time. They are free to anyone who needs them, including non-Xfinity customers.
For a map of public Xfinity WiFi hotspots, which are located both indoors and outdoors in places such as shopping districts, parks, and businesses, visit finder.wifi.xfinity.com. To find the nearest hotspot location in your city, please search the WiFi Hotspot Map. Enter your zip code, zoom in on the interactive map to view the results, and click on the locations for details.
“Connectivity is critical, especially during a natural disaster. We know now is the time people want to stay in touch with family, friends and loved ones,” added Buzzelli. “We hope by opening more than 100,000 WiFi hotspots it will be easier for Floridians to stay connected in those impacted areas. This is a small way we can make a difference and support the communities we’re proud to serve.”
Help Prevent New Communication Outages While We Recover – Don’t Cut the Fiber
Restoring your ability to communicate during our recovery is a critical priority. Communication lines carry vital messages including 911 and emergency services, and provide access to the Internet and social media so that you can contact loved ones. Here are some tips to prevent further damage or outages as we recover:
- When clearing downed trees, do not touch or cut lines as they may be live and operational.
- Do not pile debris on or near utility pedestals.
- Do not drive over lines.
- Do not cut lines. It is faster to repair than to replace damaged lines.
- Do not touch or remove downed or damaged lines.
Always call 811 before you dig (or 1-800-272-3020). Call your utility providers directly to report down or cut lines and stay clear of the area.
These efforts are part of the company’s ongoing commitment to providing resources and support to communities during times of unexpected need. Please visit the Florida webpage for more information on the latest developments and updates following Hurricane Helene and our relief efforts.
