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 them below!
National Events
Lewiston, Maine Mass Shootings —
On October 25, 2023, a gunman killed 18 people and injured 13 others during a shooting spree in Lewiston, Maine. Local response efforts have set up a fund to assist both victims and families, as well as the organizations helping them.
- Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund: Donations may be made to victims and survivors or to the broader recovery effort through the Maine Community Foundation.
Maui Wildfires —
In August 2023, a series of wildfires broke out in Hawaii, predominantly on the island of Maui. The fires caused $5.5 billion of damage, killing at least 99 people and leaving six persons missing.
- Maui Strong Fund, Hawaii Community Foundation: Focusing on rapid response and working with local nonprofits to understand community needs. Find out more here.
- Maui Food Bank: Collecting and distributing food to help the hungry in Maui County. Find out more here.
- Maui United Way: Providing direct relief to families and nonprofits. Find out more here.
- The Salvation Army, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division: Providing food and resources for evacuees. Find out more here.
- Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation: Partnering with the state Department of Education to support school communities in West Maui through Oct. 1st. Find out more here.
- Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement: Matching up to $3 million in donations for Maui fire victims. Find out more here.
- Maui Humane Society: Supporting shelters, for displaced people and animals, and caring for injured animals. Find out more here.
- World Central Kitchen: Providing meals to people in need by partnering with local organizations. Find out more here.
- Hawaii Lions Foundation: Matching up to $25,000 in donations for Maui disaster relief efforts. Find out more here.
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.