Although you may not have been personally impacted by the terrible devastation of recent disasters in our country and around the world today, many of us have been moved to help in the disaster relief efforts. Here are a few practical ways to put compassion in action and help the survivors of disaster.
Time Required: You Decide
Here's How:
- Pray - This is a no-brainer. One of the easiest and most positive ways you can help rebuild hope is to pray for the families of victims and the survivors of the recent disasters.
For more online prayer communities visit this prayer page. - Give a Donation - You can contribute with financial gifts or by donating relief supplies. Be sure to give to a reputable, well-established organization to ensure that your gift makes the best possible impact toward relief.
- See my list of top disaster relief organizations.
- Visit the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance at Give.org for established charity standards and recommendations for responsible giving.
- Visit the Charity Navigator for a list of 4-star rated charities.
- See my list of top disaster relief organizations.
- Give Blood - You can literally save a life by giving blood. Even when disaster occurs far from your hometown, or in another country, donating to your local blood bank will help keep national and international blood supplies stocked and ready for transfer to wherever they are needed.
- Visit the American Red Cross to learn more about donating blood.
- Go - You can help by going as a volunteer to assist with relief efforts. To ensure your skills will be best utilized, it is important to go with an organized agency. The Disaster News Network reports, "It may be compassionate, but it's not helpful to show up without being affiliated with an organization that's already officially approved."
If you simply show up to help, your efforts will have a diminished impact, you are likely to get in the way, or worse, put yourself or someone else in danger. - Prepare - If you decide to go, begin to make plans now. Here are some suggested agencies currently accepting volunteers:
Tips:
- Invite people at work or school to pray with you for the relief efforts.
- Consider putting together a relief kit for one of the relief charities.
- Before you donate, investigate.
- Carefully research the best volunteer options before going.
- Ask your local church if any relief efforts are being organized.
