When a natural disaster strikes our first instinct is to help, right? But where do we start? My husband and I visited Panama City, Florida, following hurricane Michael and it was such an eye-opening experience. You can read about it here. Today, I will share with you 5 ways that you can help after a natural disaster strikes.
1. Donate Cash
If your budget allows, likely the most common and efficient way to help is by donating to a trusted organization. Cash donations can be made to a national organization such as the American Red Cross or through your local church. Cash donations help established organizations provide the most appropriate resources to the affected area.
You should never feel that donating cash is taking the “easy” way out. Those who are able to give financially can make a big difference! Established organizations such as Convoy of Hope, The American Red Cross and many more have the experience to help your dollar go further and to help people in need.
2. Donate Blood
There are so many ways that you can help after a natural disaster. Donating blood is a great way to help at any time, but is particularly helpful during times of emergency. When a disaster hits, many local blood banks send blood to hospitals in impacted areas. Donating blood at a local blood drive is a quick way that you could help save a life. Don’t be afraid of that needle. Trust me, I’m not a fan of needles but the nurses never make fun of me for looking away during that initial stick. The potential to save a life is absolutely worth it!
I think that it’s worth mentioning that we always hear about giving blood when an emergency situation hits the news. But, at any given time, many local blood banks have only enough supply for a short amount of time.
3. Donate Resources
Keep an eye out on local news stations for resource drives. Many communities will hold big supply drives in area grocery store parking lots. “Stuff the Truck” is one we have in our area which benefits our city-wide food banks. During times of natural disaster, organizations will accept donations of bottled water, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, food and more. Again, these trained organizations then coordinate getting the resources where they are most needed.
If you have children, bring them along. It’s never too early to learn the blessing of caring for others.
4. Donate Time in Your Area
It’s human nature to want to help in the area of the storm or other emergencies. But, for many, that’s just not feasible. Don’t be deterred. Donate time in your area. Remember, there are many ways that you can help after a natural disaster. I find that it’s in times like these when people’s desire to help kicks into high gear. In every big city or small town throughout our country, there are people in need.
You may not be traveling to Florida, Virginia, Carolina or Puerto Rico…but YOU are helping. You are helping to strengthen your own community and likely inspiring a friend, neighbor or colleague to do the same. The image above was taken during our daughter’s drama club food drive. Collectively they raised nearly 9,000 pounds of food for our local food pantry.
5. Travel to the Area of Impact.
This is a big one, folks, and not to be taken lightly. Our recent trip to Panama City, Florida was an unbelievable experience. But…it was impromptu and we were pretty naive (that’s putting it nicely).
While I pray that we gave a hug or a warm meal to someone who needed it, I’m already brainstorming how we can do SO much more next time. As we get closer to our empty-nester days, I really feel like this will become something we do as often as possible. While we are eager to help, we wish it wasn’t needed. These catastrophic storms to be happening each year now. I am troubled by our human impact and fear it is quickly catching up to us. But…that’s a blog post for another time.
There are so many ways that you can help after a natural disaster. Follow your Heart.
My recommendation to you is to volunteer with an established organization that aligns with your passion for helping others. Do you have a strong faith and want to share that with others? Inquire at your church, research Convoy of Hope or Samaritan’s Purse.
If you have a passion for animals, you can volunteer or give to the Humane Society. When we were in Florida, the area was under a boil alert. I overheard someone mention that people need to be careful because their pets could become just as sick from drinking the water. Pets also can become displaced during this time. There are many ways you can make a difference if animals hold a special place in your heart. I know I would be lost without these two crazy pups.
Not sure where to start? Do some digging and the right choice will come to you. Call your local Red Cross as a starting point or research All Hands and Hearts. Whenever you are considering donating your resources or your time, stop by CharityNavigator.org to make sure the charitable organization you choose meets your personal standards.
It Takes Time
Next month we will be traveling to Puerto Rico. The stories shared from this island and their extreme need for resources broke my heart. I am anxious to go and see their progress.
More than a year after Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico is still trying to get back on its feet. It’s important to know that while many of us want to rush in and help, time, attention and resources are needed months (sometimes years) following a natural disaster.
As a worrier, I truly get down in the dumps about our world sometimes. You turn on the news and people are spreading hate and violence at seemingly every turn. I am also very concerned with the number of natural disasters that are happening and what I feel is our human impact on these occurrences. To combat this sadness I have a little mantra that I say over and over in my head and to my daughter.
“Grow the Good”
I can’t stop people from spreading hate (although I wish that was my superpower) and I alone can’t stop chemical runoff from polluting our oceans. But, I can try and grow the good. Whether your time and resources are spent in your local area or the area of impact, YOU are “growing the good”.
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