In this ever-changing climate of disasters, it may be hard to know how you can help, especially when you see disasters happening around the country, or even the globe! But did you know, there is one way to help that is always needed?
Direct financial support to responding voluntary organizations is the best way to assist after a disaster, both in the immediate response and in the long recovery. Find out why—and how you can help in some ongoing current disasters—below.
CASH IS BEST !
Cash allows disaster response organizations to:
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- purchase exactly what is needed when it is needed,
- give back to the local economy to help businesses rebuild, and
- focus more resources on the immediate needs rather than the management of material donations.
So, want to help? Learn about some ongoing disasters and the ways you can help below!
National Events
California Wildfires —
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- CNN’s Impact Your World is using Pledge to collect cash donations to help Los Angeles area wildfire victims through the following nonprofit organizations: Airlink, AmeriCares, American Red Cross, Animal Wellness Foundation, Baby2Baby, California Community Foundation, California Fire Foundation, City Serve International, Direct Relief, Global Empowerment Mission, Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Los Angeles, International Medical Corps, Islamic Relief USA, Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Lutheran World Relief, Mercy Chefs, Operation BBQ Relief, Operation Blessing, Project HOPE, Salvation Army – National Headquarters, Save the Children, Team Rubicon, and World Central Kitchen.
- Additional organizations helping respond to the wildfires: Pasadena Humane Society.
Hurricane Helene —
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- Virginia: Find “Information for Donors” and “Volunteering” information provided by the Virginia VOAD.
- North Carolina: NC Department of Public Safety issued information on how to donate, volunteer and what organizations may be responding in NC.
- Tennessee: Learn about donations and volunteering in TN via Volunteer Tennessee and the United Way.
- Florida: Volunteer Florida provides updates about donations and volunteering in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Financial gifts made to organizations and foundations are collected, managed and disbursed by those entities. NJ Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NJVOAD), the NJ Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM), and the NJ Governor’s Office of Volunteerism do not promote any one organization over another and do not have any involvement in how funds are managed or disbursed. These organizations have been vetted by NJVOAD, but you are encouraged to visit Guidestar, Charity Navigator, the Better Business Bureau and other watchdog sites to find the best match for you.