Best ways to help
Although making a charitable donation after a natural disaster or other public safety crisis can be well-intentioned, organizers say certain types of donations have more impact — and some donations can actually hinder relief efforts instead of help them. Donations of used clothing is almost always discouraged — and, in fact, first responders and charitable organizations responding to the Camp Fire say they are already overwhelmed with used clothing donations and are running out of space to put them. In most cases, wildfire survivors don’t have anywhere to put the clothes that are donated, and it takes organizations a considerable amount of time to sort through used clothing donations that could be better spent assisting wildfire victims in more productive ways. Clothes pile up, creating unsafe and often times unhygienic areas at evacuation centers where space is already limited. Blankets and towels are also not needed at the moment; a number of charities say they are providing these to evacuees and are well-supplied for the moment. Camp Fire relief organizers are also urging people not to donate hay and feed for horses and other livestock unless there is a specific request for it. The absolute best thing to give that is sure to have the most-impact, organizers say, is money because organizers can use those funds to buy disaster victims exactly what they need. The organizers on the ground know the best way to spend the money in a way that will provide the most assistance to those who need it the most. Federal charity officials also say that money is easier to transport than goods (which requires money to move) and helps stimulate local economies that may be decimated by natural disasters. “A cash donation helps relief organizations respond in a flexible, timely and cost-efficient manner, ultimately providing greater help to those in need,” the U.S. Agency for International Development Office says on its website. “Cash contributions to established and legitimate relief agencies are always significantly more beneficial than the donation of commodities.”Where to give
Almost all of the local fundraisers mentioned are accepting cash donations at their events. For those unable to attend, the American Red Cross is raising cash specifically for California wildfire relief efforts on their website (from the “I want to support” menu, choose “California Wildfires”) at www.redcross.org. You can also make a donation of $10 using your phone by texting the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 (the donation will appear on your phone bill). The following charities are also raising money for wildfire relief efforts:- The Salvation Army
- United Way of Northern California
- California Community Foundation
- Caring Choices of Chico, California
- California Volunteers
- The North Valley Community Foundation
Do you have a local event that is helping to raise money or solicit donations for those affected by the recent wildfires? Email your event to news@wintersexpress.com.]]>