Gulfport is one of the hardest hit communities in Tampa Bay in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Non-perishable food, pet food, cleaning supplies and hygiene essentials are being collected at the Gulfport Senior Center (5501 27th Ave. S) and one of its residents has mobilized her nonprofit organization to bring more funds to the seaside town of less than 12,000 people.

“Devastation in Gulfport, Florida is near complete. I mean, I can’t even begin to tell you,” Fiona Prine, who bought a home in the community with her late husband John Prine nearly 20 years ago, said on social media.

The Prine family’s Nashville-based Hello In There Foundation is collecting donations through Tuesday, Oct. 8 and will match anything that comes in 1-to-1.

“We will make sure that every cent goes to community groups and individuals who really need it. And there’s so much need,” Prine added.

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