When a disaster like Katrina hits, people want to be involved and help out. The question of what is the "best" way to help out can be difficult though, especially for people not located in the storm damaged area. Radio and television news bring us stories of despair and hope, sadness and emotional trauma. The Internet has become a valuable tool to help people catch up with the latest news, volunteer to help, and in this particular disaster situation, find family members and missing pets. Each of these media sources is filled with many ways to donate -- phone numbers to call and buttons to click. But how do you know that your dollars or other types of donations will make it to the intended recipient(s)? The sheer number of "donate now" opportunities is overwhelming.
Do Research
Large nonprofit organizations, such as the Red Cross,
Humane Society of the United States (HSUS),
and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals (ASPCA) are easily accessible via the web and local donation sites. Plus, they are long term nonprofit organizations
with a proven history. Since they are national, they can delegate funds to smaller
sub organizations (i.e. local humane societies, local Red Cross organizations)
and get the funds to the places of greatest need.
Finding Other Ways To Help
Web sites such as Network
for Good offer a selection of non-profits and ways to help charities, all
on one site. Volunteer Match provides
ways for people to volunteer their time, and/or money, as well as a means for
organizations to find needed volunteers. Even eBay is involved, working with
MissionFish, a database of certified
nonprofit organizations that are eligible to benefit from charitable auctions
conducted on eBay.
Think Local
Right now the world is focused on the storm damaged gulf coast, but there are
pets and people in every community right now in need of your help. Volunteer
your time, drop off some pet food, towels or other supplies or donate financially
to help those in need now. This may lead to the start of a long term, positive
and mutually beneficial relationship that developed out of a tragedy.
