Living here in sunny San Diego, it’s easy to pretend like everything is good and easy with our consistently great weather. However that’s not the responsible thing to do when my fellow Americans are suffering throughout Texas, Florida and Georgia. As Americans it’s our responsibility to take care of one another in times of distress.
Giving is part of what makes us great. It’s easy to sit back and be skeptical of organizations like the Red Cross with fears of where your dollars are going. But the reality is the Red Cross is one of the largest first responders organizations in major disasters and without them people would be suffering a lot more. Overhead costs are a reality of any organization, even non-profits like charities and religious organizations. Give with an open heart and expect organizations will do their best to take care of those in need.
You might have already given to victims of Harvey and your budget might be a little tighter this month, but don’t let that stop you from helping those who suffered from Irma. Let’s do our part to help those in need. If you can’t give financially but are physically healthy, consider donating blood. The need for blood during disasters sky rockets and each pint can save up to three lives.
The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross donation page has a section dedicated specifically for hurricane Irma. There’s a minimum $10 donation, but you can donate as much as you’d like after that. If you’re feeling generous today, you can also give to the victims of Harvey there too. You can donate even quicker by texting the word IRMA to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Red Cross desperately needs volunteers to serve Florida as well. You can find the sign up page here.
UNICEF
Unicef Irma donation web page here – $5.00 minimum donation. You can donate using your credit card, bank account or even PayPal.
You can text RELIEF to 864233/UNICEF to donate $10 through your phone company.
Your gift will help support the needs of children affected by devastating hurricanes.
DonorsChoose.Org
DonorsChoose.Org is a charity I have supported in the past as it allows you to pick where your dollars go. It has set up a specific IRMA recovery fund on its site to help Floridians.
Your support will help teachers at damaged schools rebuild their classrooms with materials like books, furniture, classroom supplies, technology, and therapy resources. 100% of public donations to the Hurricane Irma Recovery Fund will support classrooms damaged by the storm.
Donate blood
OneBlood, in Florida, is urging people living outside of Hurricane Irma’s path to visit their local blood center and donate blood as soon as possible. All blood types are needed, however, there is an urgent need for platelet donations as well as O negative blood.
Operation USA
A Los Angeles-based disaster relief group, offers a wide variety of ways to lend a hand from sending a check to donating air mileage. All donations at this time will directly help children and families as they recover in the wake of these major disasters. For updates on how your donations are helping, visit opusa.org/news.
You can donate on its webpage here.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity has local organizations throughout the regions affected by the storms. They are in the process of evaluating the needs and damage caused by the storms and will respond with help from donors, volunteers, corporate partners and other community organizations.
You can find the donation page here.
Save the pets by donating to Best Friends
Pets are family. Yet they’re often left behind in natural disasters and Best Friends is looking to save them all. It is reuniting lost pets with their owners, feeding lost pets, and giving medical attention to the injured. It has pledged to spend 100% of your donations on the pets of Irma.
You can find the donation page here.