Since we are now in the season for hurricanes, this might be a good question to ask...
What are Some of the Best Ways to Help, After a Disaster?
1. Pray for the survivors and their families, along with emergency workers and volunteers who are assisting.
2. Financial Contributions, donate through an appropriate organization. It may seem crass, but "cash is king" following a disaster. With financial contributions, precise needs can be met. Supplies can often be purchased as near the disaster site as is possible. This gives a "jump start" for recovery of the local economy, which usually suffers greatly when a disaster strikes. All financial donations through either our Florida Baptist Convention or, our North American Mission Board, provide 100 cents on the dollar for Disaster Relief, when they are designated as such. Our Cooperative Program giving pays for all the administration costs. Of course, there are also other very reputable organizations through which you may contribute.
3. Commodities should be sent only when requested by a reputable organization which has the ability to transport, store, sort and distribute efficiently. Please, do not collect, contribute or send large amounts of any goods to a disaster site, except what is specifically requested. Used clothing and other items can create a complicated, costly and time consuming process of collecting, packing, shipping, unloading, storing, sorting and distributing. Often there are neither the facilities nor man power to do this. There are time when specific items are requested. In this case, please collect only what is requested Other items, no matter how well intentioned can create unexpected problems. If in any doubt at all, please confirm what is needed, with an on site reputable organization, prior to collecting or sending any items.
4. Volunteers are often needed. However, with Homeland Security becoming more and more strict as to who is allowed to enter a disaster area, "lone ranger volunteers" are discouraged. If you want to volunteer, it is best to train ahead of time with our Florida Baptist Disaster Relief. It provides seven Regional Training opportunities each year, starting in March and ending the first part of June. The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross also use volunteers and have their own system for advance training. Remember, on site you will need a place to stay, along with food and water. If arrangements are not made ahead of time for this, you could be taking needed resources from disaster survivors. It is always best to work with a recognized Disaster Relief Organization.
5. Additional Information on how to help after a disaster can be found on line by going to either www.fema.gov or www.nvoad.org or, you may also contact the Volunteer Missions Coordinator for our Northwest Coast Baptist Association by e-mail at vim.nwca@juno.com or by phone 763-8258.
(The above information is compiled from the brochure, "When Disaster Strikes...How to Donate or Volunteer Successfully!", by FEMA and the "National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster - How to Help or Donate in Times of Disaster", found at http://www.nvoad.org/HowToHelp/)
Disaster Relief Presentations - If you would like to have a presentation for your church or church group, please contact the Volunteer Missions Coordinator, Jennie London, 850-763-8258, vim.nwca@juno.com
