Helping Others

Financial contributions to a recognized disaster relief organization is the most effective donation to make.

• Most needed and the most efficient way of helping those impacted by disaster.
• Allow voluntary organizations to fund response and recovery efforts, obtain goods and services locally, and provide direct financial assistance to disaster survivors to meet their own needs.
• Make a financial contribution to the voluntary organization of your choice.
• If you need help in determining who to give to, National Voluntary Organization Active in Disaster website has a list of major Non-profits that are active in disaster work or you can make your offer through the National Donations Management Network.

When the public supports these voluntary organizations with financial contributions, it helps ensure a steady flow of important services to the people in need after a disaster.

Volunteer with a recognized organization involved in disaster response and recovery prior to the next disaster event.

• Volunteer with a non-profit organization and be trained before the next event to find meaningful volunteer opportunities following a disaster.
• There are many organizations and faith-based groups in your community that have active disaster programs and need volunteers
• These groups offer a wide range of services following a disaster:
  
  www.nvoad.org
  www.serve.gov
  www.citizencorps.gov
  www.helpindisaster.org
  www.networkforgood.org
  

The generosity and kindness of people around the country does a lot to help communities heal from the tragic consequences of disasters.

Confirm what is needed BEFORE taking action!

• Donate in-kind goods that are specifically requested or needed by recognized organizations.
• Unsolicited donated goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, and mixed or perishable foodstuffs require helping agencies to redirect valuable resources away from providing services to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.
• Confirm the needs by contacting the voluntary organization of your choice before starting to collect.
• If you have a quantity of a given item or class of item to donate, and you need help in determining which organizations to give to, you can make your offer through the National Donations Management Network.

Everyone is moved when they hear the news that disaster has struck a community. By learning the best ways to donate and volunteer, we can all make a huge difference in the lives of those affected.