The Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties saw a surge in donations to help victims of Hurricanes Harvey, and also is collecting funds to help victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Gloria Max, executive director of the Jewish Federation, said more than $20,000 had been raised by Tuesday night. She is sending checks made out in the names of Hurricane Harvey victims certified as being in need by Houston area churches and synagogues.

“Please let everyone know that we will send out these checks to the clergy in Houston to distribute to the families before Hurricane Irma arrives here,” Max said Tuesday night. “If we raise more money, we will collect more names of people in need in Houston.”

Max said she acts quickly to send money to disaster victims because it can take weeks for financial assistance from governments and large aid organizations to reach families. A check for $500 can mean so much to these families.

To donate or for more information, call Max at 386-672-0294. Donations are tax-deductible and 100 percent will go to Hurricane victims because the Jewish Federation pays all administrative costs.