Story updated to include extended relief efforts following Hurricane Milton. Updated information is in bold. Latest update made Nov. 6, 2024.

After Hurricane Helene made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast on the night of Sept. 26, communities across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and even Tennessee and Virginia were left devastated. This was after Helene hit areas of Cuba and Mexico, pouring large amounts of rain on the areas and causing significant flooding, according to The Guardian.

The aftermath, including deadly flooding, loss of power, and damages in the billions of dollars, has put the call for relief to the forefront. Apparel and printing companies have stepped up to help through dedicated T-shirt campaigns and monetary donations to disaster relief organizations.

Nine Line Apparel

In Savannah, Georgia, Nine Line Apparel does what it does best — gives back. Through its special T-shirt campaign “Stronger Than the Storm,” the apparel company is committed to helping those affected by Hurricane Helene.

An email promoting the campaign reads: “As communities rebuild following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Nine Line will donate all profits from the sale of this design directly to recovery and relief efforts. Both national and local organizations are in need of our help, so we ask that you help us ‘Answer the Call’ to support their efforts and pray for all those impacted by this storm.”

The two shirts are available for purchase through Oct. 14 and will begin to ship on Oct. 18.

Nine Line announced that in the wake of Hurricane Milton, it will donate all profits from the sale of this design directly to recovery and relief efforts, according to an Instagram post.

Fujifilm

FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation, and its Americas subsidiaries, donated $250,000 to the American Red Cross to support the relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene.

“We are deeply saddened by the widespread devastation that Hurricane Helene has caused, which in some cases impacted the communities where Fujifilm employees live and work,” said company representatives in press release. “On behalf of the entire Fujifilm family, we extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by Hurricane Helene’s damage.”

HanesBrands

North Carolina-based HanesBrands shared its efforts via LinkedIn on Oct. 3, stating:

“Hurricane Helene’s impact on our home state of North Carolina is heartbreaking.

While we understand the recovery and rebuilding process will be long, we hope to provide comfort in this time of crisis. We are working with our partner Delivering Good Inc. to get HanesBrands products to communities affected by the hurricane.

We are grateful for our partnership and our associates who are committed to helping people when it is needed most.”

Delivering Good’s motto, “Small Comforts, Big Impact,” says it all. The organization collaborates with community partners, like Hanes, to deliver socks, blankets, clothing, home goods, and other essentials to those in need. The charitable organization has set up distribution facilities in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida to help those affected by Hurricane Helene.

Tennessee Athletics

On Oct. 5, Tennessee Athletics, the athletics department for the University of Tennessee, announced the launch of a new merch line to help those affected by Helene. The collection includes T-shirts, hats, and stickers featuring the phrase “Mountain Strong.” All proceeds from merch sales will go to charity.

The ‘Mountain Strong’ merchandise presale is underway at the Vol Shop and Alumni Hall. Items will ship in two to four weeks.

320ink

320ink, located in Maine, has teamed up with High Roller Lobster Co. to raise funds for hurricane disaster relief. According to an Instagram post, “One hundred percent of proceeds from this tee goes to the American Red Cross hurricane relief fund. Help if you can, and get this awesome ‘Highroller heart’ tee.”

As hurricane relief efforts continue to develop and Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on the west coast of Florida this week, Apparelist will continue to update this article.

NPSOA

The Board of Directors of the National Print and Sign Owners Association (NPSOA) met on Oct. 8 to discuss the pending landfall of Hurricane Milton as well as the devastation caused by the recent Hurricane Helene. For updates on this, please visit our sister publication, Wide-format Impressions.

Gildan Donates Apparel to Aid Relief Efforts

Gildan shares that it has donated a total of $200,000 worth of apparel to support those affected by Hurricane Helene.

“Gildan has a strong presence in North Carolina and South Carolina, with nine of our facilities located in the region,” says Chuck Ward, president, sales, marketing, and distribution. “With our longstanding history of supporting our local communities, it was important for us to assist with the recovery efforts in the aftermath of the hurricane and provide much-needed aid for our neighbors in the Carolinas.”

Shortly after Hurricane Helene hit, Gildan’s North and South Carolina locations provided$100,000 worth of apparel for those impacted by the storm. Employees also spearheaded  efforts to collect and deliver essential items like water, diapers, and non-perishable food.

As of Oct. 24, Gildan plans to donate an additional $100,000 worth of T-shirts to the upcoming Concert for Carolina. It aims to raise funds for five nonprofit organizations working directly with residents in western North Carolina. T-shirts will be available for purchase at the event. All additional funds from their sale will directly contribute to essential relief efforts.

The Concert for Carolina is scheduled for October 26^th at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. For more information, including how to watch the livestream and donate to recovery efforts, visit www.concertforcarolina.com.

Ink Kitchen Partners with Industry Suppliers

With assistance from Next Level Apparel,  Hanes, 613originals, LAT Apparel, SanMar, and Jerzees, Ink Kitchen has organized fundraising to help in North Carolina. The campaign supports Operation Carolina Connect that is restoring communication in rural areas where there is not cell or internet service and may not be for a long time.

Those interested in supporting the campaign can buy a shirt through Doing Good Merch, spread the word, or donate directly/find some other charity to give to.

Manatee Apparel Launches Store to Aid Hurricane Victims

Manatee Apparel serves customers on Anna Maria Island (AMI), which has been devastated by the hurricanes. The company created a website to raise funds that will go directly to the AMI community where they’re needed most. Manatee Apparel is donating the first 500 T-shirts and 100 hats sold as well as covering all associated costs. If all 500 T-shirts and 100 hats are sold, the $14,500 the company lists will be split 50/50 between the AMI Community Center and Bradenton Beach Merchants Association.

Manatee notes that the following suppliers have helped make this possible: alphabroder, S&S Activewear, and SanMar. Orders are open through Nov. 17, 2024.

This is an ongoing effort by communities and companies everywhere. If you know of a company that’s helping out, please reach out to Cassie Green, content director, cgreen@napco.com to help spread the support.