NAHUNTA, GA. – As community members across the Southeast rally to help families affected by the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, officials have acknowledged concerns about possible scams popping up.
Last week, the sheriff’s office warned people about some online fundraising accounts that are not official or verified.
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In response, GoFundMe, the top crowdfunding online platform, launched a centralized hub featuring campaigns for wildfire families that have been vetted by GoFundMe staff.
The Georgia Wildfire Relief Hub can be found at gofundme.com/communities/georgia-wildfire-relief-2026.
The platform says similar hubs have been created during other major disasters.
“GoFundMe has been a resource for people who have been affected, as you mentioned, by natural disasters and other crises,” said Angelique McNaughton, GoFundMe senior communications manager. “In fact, last year during the LA wildfires, more than $250 million was raised for those who have been impacted by the wildfires and for the nonprofits that were providing on the ground relief.
“So GoFundMe has really become an amazing resource for people who are seeking help, but on the other side, for people who are wanting to give help to those who have been impacted,” McNaughton added.
A GoFundMe spokesperson previously told News4JAX that they have a team 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,” they said in a statement. “This process includes both a robust human review from our world-class Trust & Safety experts as well as technical tools designed to catch misuse.”
You can also donate to the American Red Cross and specify that your gift is for the Brantley County wildfire relief.
Donation drop-offs
For those wanting to donate items that families might need as they recover from the wildfires, all donations are being coordinated through the Brantley County Family Connection.
A donation drive also began at 8 a.m. Tuesday at Brantley Gas off Satilla Avenue in Nahunta.
Organizers are specifically requesting undergarments, laundry detergent sheets, reusable bags, new towels, washcloths, and men’s shampoo and body wash.
As of Friday, there is no room left for general clothing donations, but organizers say essential, everyday items are still urgently needed.
The effort has drawn an outpouring of support. Organizers say roughly 300 volunteers have shown up to help, and approximately 150 families have visited the site seeking items they need.
The drive began after an organizer posted a request on social media last week.
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.
For questions regarding specific needs or large donations, please contact City Hall at 912-458-2171.
The city of Hoboken put out a call on its Facebook page that anyone looking to volunteer should head to Brantley County Family Connection at 10305 N Main St., Nahunta, 31553.
Hoboken also collected donations for wildfire relief, including snacks, canned goods, non perishable food items, baby wipes/diapers, hygiene products (soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc), all sizes of new underwear, socks, and household items (paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent).
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.