Managing large influxes of donations is always a challenge for communities that suffer significant fire events. Many donations are unsolicited and hard to organize. Effective disaster donations management prioritizes cash donations to reputable organizations that can quickly and efficiently distribute aid based on the specific needs of the affected community. In-kind donations, while well-intentioned, can create logistical challenges if not coordinated properly. In kind donations do arrive on site and it must be anticipated. Looking for agencies or groups that use second hand items may be helpful to coordinate with.
Example:
In 2016, the Okanogan Co. Long Term Recovery Group (OLTRG) worked with a group called Clothes for the Cause to load trucks full of “left over” clothing, bedding and other donated material items. Clothes For The Cause paid $0.10 per pound, and when the many truck runs were completed, OLTRG received a $26K check. Clothes for the Cause is no longer operating, however, other groups use the same fundraising approach (e.g. Funds2Orgs, FUNDrive, PhilltheBox).
Resources:
- Avoiding the “Second Disaster” of Unwanted Donations
- FEMA Volunteer and Donations Management Support Annexf
- How to help survivors after a disaster
