However, bear in mind that some relief organizations will be seeking donations other than monetary, such as volunteer time and especially, donations of blood. While there are many groups assisting in collecting monetary donations to benefit legitimate charities' efforts, make sure you know the collecting individuals, groups or companies. Not all those alleging to be collecting on behalf of local charities are in fact associated with or are even planning to forward your donation as claimed. Donors should be wary of appeals that dwell on tragedy but do not specify how donations will be used or distributed. Before giving, would-be donors unfamiliar with the soliciting organization should not hesitate to ask questions about its purposes, programs, and finances, and ask for literature that describes what relief activities are planned.
Donors can examine their options among current and future appeals.
Established disaster relief organizations solicit for both immediate and long-term needs of disaster victims. Appeals should describe the specific services the charity intends to provide. Even new organizations that may spring up should have written material describing the charity's programs, anticipated expenditures, and how activities will be carried out. Don't succumb to high pressure. Give by check or money order, not cash.