Making Disasters Less Disastrous
Hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods and earthquakes are natural disasters that cause loss of life and serious damage to every living thing. Sometimes to pick up the pieces of the final blow alone is hard. At moments like these it’s time to step up and help a neighbor. But, how can you? This helpful guide can show you.
Donating Money
Donating money to the sponsoring victims of a natural disaster is a very good start for many people. It’s also important to keep in mind that there are a lot of scammers out there, so make sure you donate to a well-known organization, for example:
• American Red Cross
• Rescue.org
• UNICEF
• Save The Children
Donating Food and Clothes
Donating foods and clothes is a different case. Check with your local community center or place of worship to find out whether you can drop off donations or if there’s another way you can contribute.
Fundraisers
Public fundraisers are great, especially if you get people on board. Here are some key factors to remember:
– If you are attending school, speak with your teacher or school administrators about starting school-based activities to raise money or supplies.
– If you’re organizing a donation drive, check with the aid organizations first to be sure they need the items you plan to send.
Community Events
Strength in numbers is key to make a small project into something big. Try talking with the members of your place of worship or a local community center (like the YMCA) and organize events like:
• A walk or run
• Bake sale
• Yard sale
Making a difference
Remember that every action counts. Whether your donation is a small amount doesn’t matter. Every donation, regardless of size, helps to rebuild communities that are hit by natural disasters. If you want to donate money but can’t afford to, let your family or neighbors know you are available to help with small jobs to earn money for disaster relief.
It’s also important to deal with your own feelings when you see people hurt by tragedy. Talking to parents, teachers, and friends about what you see and how you feel can help you deal with the aftermath of disasters.
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