How to Give Help to Natural Disaster Victims

A Red Cross volunteer helps flood victims at a shelter in Louisiana.

Natural disasters are sad realities that affect hundreds of thousands of people every year. In 2011, the United States had massive floods in the middle of the country, a dust storm in Arizona, and a huge hurricane on the East Coast. A single tornado killed 158 people in Joplin, Missouri in May and displaced thousands. Relief organizations do what they can to help the victims, but they always need volunteers and support from individuals.

Things You'll Need

• Compassion
• Love
• Money
• Skill
• Volunteer

Instructions

1. Keep up with information regarding the needs of victims right after the event. Media outlets will post addresses or phone numbers of legitimate organizations set up to help victims. This usually involves a financial contribution, but can also point out where and how someone can host a displaced family or physically help rebuild damaged property.

2. Check the websites or local chapters of organizations that respond to natural disasters. They include Direct Relief International, Feed the Children and the International Red Cross. All of them supply food and emergency supplies to victims. Look for the "donate now" section of the website for that organization's donation policies.

3. Start a fundraiser of your own, or help organize one with a church or community group. Donate all of the profits to one of the relief organizations.

4. Give blood. The American Red Cross accepts blood donations every day, but the need goes up after a natural disaster. Check the Red Cross website for donation sites or a guide for how to organize a blood drive.

Tips & Warnings

• Always research a charity donation that is not tied to an international organization. Some people do create false charities to steal money from would-be donors.

References

• American Red Cross
• Direct Relief
• Feed the Children
• Red Cross: Donate Blood