Give When It Matters Most, In the Best Possible Way

Smart Givers Support Relief Efforts for Typhoon Haiyan

Typhoon Haiyan, the recent tropical storm that devastated the Philippines, Vietnam and South China, was the strongest ever recorded. It is estimated that as many as 10,000 people have lost their lives, and that millions will need basic aid, including access to food, medicine, clean water, and shelter, in the coming weeks.

Picture via nydailynews.com

You can view specific organizations that are contributing to the relief effort here. 

The Charities Review Council offers the following tips on smart giving in disaster situations and how to exercise caution in addition to generosity when responding to disaster-relief appeals:

• Give financial gifts. The best and most effective type of assistance is a financial donation to a relief organization already operating in the affected area.  Do not send goods to an organization unless specifically requested.
• Ask Questions. When researching where to send a gift, consider the following:

1. Is the organization legitimate? If an organization is calling you, be wary. Established disaster-relief organizations are often too busy to implement a direct phone campaign during times of disaster.  Don’t be afraid to say “no” over the phone and then contact the organization directly yourself to follow up. 
2. Are you confident the organization has the infrastructure and capacity to put your donation to good use? Does the organization already have a strong record of aiding victims of natural disasters?

Learn more about making your donation count toward disaster relief efforts, and read the full article here.

Our Executive Director Kris Kewitsch recently shared five questions to ask before giving to a cause or charity with Kare11 News. You can watch the segment below or read the full piece here.