Donations are always a challenge for communities that suffer significant fire events. Many donations are unsolicited and hard to manage. 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 2016, the Okanogan Co. Long Term Recovery Group worked with clothesforthecausefundraising.com to load trucks full of “left over” clothing, bedding and other donated material items. They paid $.10 per pound and when the many truck runs were completed, the LTRG received a $26K check. Clothes for the Cause is no longer in this business, however, their website link goes to Funds2orgs which uses the same fundraising approach. 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.
Resources:
- Avoiding the “Second Disaster” of Unwanted Donations
- FEMA Volunteer and Donations Management Support Annex
- How to help survivors after a disaster
