How to Help Natural Disaster Victims

We often see news about devastation caused by hurricanes, storms, and more causing issues in many regions. Many people are left wondering how they can help.  Here is a list of ways you can help natural disaster victims whether you are local to the disaster-stricken areas or not.

Learn more: How To Prepare For Natural Disasters

• Check In: If you know people in the effected areas check in and see if there’s anything you can do to help. In some cases people will need a place to go; in others it’s enough to know you’re thinking of them.

• Offer What You Can: Locals to a disaster who have power, warm showers, etc. can offer neighbors and friends a place to warm up, take a hot shower, and charge devices. If you have a warm place to sleep - make room for company.

• Donate via Text Message:  Simply text 90999 on your phone to donate $10 to the American Red Cross. They help fund relief efforts to all natural disasters.

• Donate Blood:  Over 300 blood drives were cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. There is always a need for blood donations, but especially in times after a natural disaster. You can find out how to donate in your local area by googling blood drive or blood donation along with the name of your city or state.

• Volunteer: Whether you live locally or not, you can volunteer your time to help disaster victims by either traveling to physically help clean up damage, spread awareness, or collect donations.

• Start your Own Drive: While the Red Cross and many larger organizations can’t accept personal donations, you can start your own drive to either raise funds, collect gently used items, toiletries, or even a toy or book drive since many families lost everything.

Organizations that Are Helping Victims of Sandy:

• Samaritan’s Purse: For more info on how to volunteer and efforts the organization is making visit this page.
• Red Cross: Donate, donate blood, or volunteer. More info can be found at their website.
• Salvation Army: Donate-more info on their website.
• ASPCA: Pets need help post-Sandy too. Follow the ASPCA’s posts and donate.

Learn more: Hacks To Help You Have An Awesome Year

Know of other organizations or have other ideas about how people can help? Share them in the comments.

My heart and prayers go out to everyone who is affected by Sandy.

Kelly

About Kelly

Kelly Whalen is the founder and editor of the Centsible Life. She started the blog in 2008 as her family faced a mountain of debt and the fixer upper they purchased became a FIXER UPPER. The website was born out of her desire to share what was working (and what was not) on her family's journey to financial security. Kelly lives in Minneapolis with her family.

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