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In the wake of a natural disaster, you may be wondering what you can do to help people in need. It can be tough to figure out the best way to help—especially when there are so many options out there. Luckily, it’s easy to figure out where to spend your time, energy, and money, and there’s no shortage of great organizations out there that will happily accept your help. Read on to learn everything you’ll ever need to know about helping people after catastrophe strikes.
Things You Should Know
- Look for a reputable organization and donate money to have an immediate impact.
- Cash donations are often preferable to clothes and other physical goods because storage is a challenge.
- Get the word out and contact your local politicians to encourage others to do more.
Steps
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Tips
- Contact established organizations to find out exactly what the needs are and how you can best help. Sometimes due to things like logistics, places aren’t able to accept physical items. Money or manpower may be more helpful so it can be allocated as needed. [17] X Research sourceThanks
- If possible, set up a reoccurring donation. Donations often pour in as soon as calamity strikes, but those resources don’t last forever. Giving regular donations will ensure organizations are ready the next time a disaster takes place. [18] X Research sourceThanks
- If you believe in a higher power, prayer can be a wonderful way to try and help people in need. [19] X Research sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Be cautious when you are donating to an unfamiliar organization or individual. Always check the Better Business Bureau or Charity Watch online first. [20] X Trustworthy Source Federal Trade Commission Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson Go to sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.charitynavigator.org/donor-basics/protect-your-giving/giving-during-crises/?bay=content.view&cpid=310
- ↑ https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0074-giving-charity
- ↑ https://www.nvoad.org/wp-content/uploads/when_disaster_strikes_-2.pdf
- ↑ https://www.charitycharge.com/nonprofit-resources/5-organizations-in-florida-leading-hurricane-irma-recovery-efforts/
- ↑ https://www.mightycause.com/guide/fundraising-ideas/relief-fundraising
- ↑ https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html
- ↑ https://www.nvoad.org/donate/
- ↑ https://www.npr.org/2013/01/09/168946170/thanks-but-no-thanks-when-post-disaster-donations-overwhelm
- ↑ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1553118X.2020.1835920
- ↑ https://mutualaiddisasterrelief.org/join/
- ↑ https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1/
- ↑ https://www.paih.org/get-involved/host-a-refugee-in-your-home
- ↑ https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/pet-fostering-qa
- ↑ https://www.habitat.org/our-work/disaster-response/volunteer
- ↑ https://www.habitat.org/volunteer/build-events
- ↑ https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/what-happens-when-natural-disasters-strike-during-coronavirus-pandemic
- ↑ https://www.charitynavigator.org/donor-basics/protect-your-giving/giving-during-crises/?bay=content.view&cpid=310
- ↑ https://www.charitynavigator.org/donor-basics/protect-your-giving/giving-during-crises/?bay=content.view&cpid=310
- ↑ https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/prayer-index/prayers-in-times-of-crisis/in-times-of-natural-disaster
- ↑ https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0074-giving-charity
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