These officials will then provide the media and various disaster relief organizations with a needs list. Look for reports from the media or a recognized volunteer agency experienced in disaster response such as your chapter of the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Adventists Community Services or Catholic Charities Chapter before you take any action. Financial contributions are the most useful form of disaster assistance. They help guarantee that relief workers have the funds necessary to provide disaster victims with needed supplies in a timely fashion. Donating money also eliminates many of the logistical concerns such as transportation, distribution and spoilage frequently associated with donations of unsolicited, unsized clothing and perishable mixed food items.
Money also helps the local economy recover.
Fiancial contributions should be made through a recognized volunteer agincy to help insure that donations are put to their intended use. These organizations can accept checks or credit card donations earmarked for the disaster region. In addition, these organizations can provide telephone numbers of relief agencies in the disaster area. Unless specifically asked for, donations of clothing are generally discouraged. Clothing and shoes are usually not needed after a disaster.