It was written after the Haiti earthquake, but was republished in the past few days because it's still relevant.
Send money, not stuff. (Most individuals would do this anyway, but I know churches or other community organizations might try to do a food or clothing drive.)
Post by ninjabridemom on Apr 27, 2015 9:36:33 GMT -5
I never understand sending stuff that isn't actually needed. Like -- contacting the organization (if you don't have a population who can give money, but want to help) and seeing what actual products they need if any isn't common sense? < Thinking more of a localized disaster, not necessarily in international instances.
I never understand sending stuff that isn't actually needed. Like -- contacting the organization (if you don't have a population who can give money, but want to help) and seeing what actual products they need if any isn't common sense? < Thinking more of a localized disaster, not necessarily in international instances.
Even in local disasters this is a problem.
Aid workers need to be helping the people, not sorting donations of goods. So much goes wasted. Unless there is a call specifically for goods, it's best just to give money.
You seriously had me worried for a split second because I donated (money). My church has a partnership with a ministry in Nepal to stop human trafficking at the India border so they're now collecting donations specifically for earthquake relief.
Oh it's fine to give money to your church if they're giving money. But a lot of people are like, well they're sleeping outside, so I'm going to send my old bedding or clothing. Or let's send food!
And their hearts are in the right place, but it doesn't help and often goes unused.
I'm trying to send myself right now. I'm graduating from my RN program in two weeks and I'm trying to find a (somewhat) local organization that is sending groups for medical aid. I'm in the DC-Richmond area, if anyone has any insight. I know it's random to post here, but this board has some serious reach...
I'm trying to send myself right now. I'm graduating from my RN program in two weeks and I'm trying to find a (somewhat) local organization that is sending groups for medical aid. I'm in the DC-Richmond area, if anyone has any insight. I know it's random to post here, but this board has some serious reach...
Maybe contact Doctors without Borders or Partners in Health. Have you had disaster training?
Any update from your friend? I know you mentioned one had not checked in.
Not yet.
But this is not unexpected. Communication systems aren't the best right now. I'm hoping to hear soon. All three of my friends are Nepali, so this will be an ongoing recovery process for them.
I'm trying to send myself right now. I'm graduating from my RN program in two weeks and I'm trying to find a (somewhat) local organization that is sending groups for medical aid. I'm in the DC-Richmond area, if anyone has any insight. I know it's random to post here, but this board has some serious reach...
Maybe contact Doctors without Borders or Partners in Health. Have you had disaster training?
I volunteered with the Red Cross for awhile and just had the basics. I don't know, I'm restless. I don't have a ton of money to donate, but I have medical skills and training and I would really love to be there hands on, if at all possible.
I never understand sending stuff that isn't actually needed. Like -- contacting the organization (if you don't have a population who can give money, but want to help) and seeing what actual products they need if any isn't common sense? < Thinking more of a localized disaster, not necessarily in international instances.
Even in local disasters this is a problem.
Aid workers need to be helping the people, not sorting donations of goods. So much goes wasted. Unless there is a call specifically for goods, it's best just to give money.
I'm actually saying the same thing. But there are populations who can't give money but would like to help, and I think if you can find a way for them to ACTUALLY help it's better to foster that goodwill and channel it appropriately. So you contact organizations and see if they NEED any specific thing. Don't just gather and donate, that is wasteful, for both resources and money (the medicine thing is appalling). If you can't give money be organized, that's all, and if no one needs anything they'll tell you to send money. I've never known organizations to be shy about saying that lol.
Give what's needed. Usually that's money, yes. Sometimes it's not but give what's NEEDED and not what you want to give. And maybe it's just organizing fundraising events but again, the organizations will tell you what they need specifically and when.
So okay, for example, after the Boston bombing everyone was running out and giving blood. I called to too, through the hospital I was working at, and when I was talking with the nurse she said a lot of the blood was going to go to waste b/c it only lasts so long. So it's better to give blood a few weeks AFTER a disaster to spread it out, because you'll either still be helping victims or restocking a depleted blood supply from the disaster. That's all I'm really saying. Channel the goodwill of people who can't donate money but can donate other things so it's effective.
Maybe contact Doctors without Borders or Partners in Health. Have you had disaster training?
I volunteered with the Red Cross for awhile and just had the basics. I don't know, I'm restless. I don't have a ton of money to donate, but I have medical skills and training and I would really love to be there hands on, if at all possible.
Usually they want people specifically trained in disaster recovery. It's a very emotionally challenging thing, aiding people after something like this and they really need trained people who know what to expect and how best to respond.
I know nurses without borders is also a good organization and this site seems to have a registration process.
I also was going to add it's good not to earmark your funds because many organizations see a huge influx after a disaster like this and then have dry spells. When people donate specifically for a disaster, those monies have to go to that and they can't be used for other things that are needed down the line.
Maybe six months from now you will have the money and these organizations will still need the help.
For now just keep the people there and the rescue teams in your thoughts and / or prayers.
Poor (real) Cher! She just got called out! She's gonna turn back time!
Look, after Elizabeth McGovern visited Sierra Leone, nothing celebrities do shocks me anymore. Sadly, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if this had really happened.
I also was going to add it's good not to earmark your funds because many organizations see a huge influx after a disaster like this and then have dry spells. When people donate specifically for a disaster, those monies have to go to that and they can't be used for other things that are needed down the line.
Maybe six months from now you will have the money and these organizations will still need the help.
For now just keep the people there and the rescue teams in your thoughts and / or prayers.
I will do that - many of my friends from my non-profit days were close with someone that lost his life in this disaster. I've bookmarked the organization (Orphan's Gift) that his family is requesting we donate to for when I have the funds.
It doesn't have to be right now, they are going to need help for months and even years to come. Cash is a little tight for me right now, so i only sent $10, but I figure if my $10 combines with everyone else who can only send in a few dollars, it all adds up.