You may be reading this column safe and dry in your home or apartment, far from the twin disasters of Helene and Milton, that have wrecked the lives and property of so many of our fellow Americans.
I don’t live in either hurricane disaster zone, but I receive many solicitations for disaster relief donations through email solicitation and social media. Even though I am a lifelong journalist, I am not fully educated about donating to disaster relief because I want to ensure any donation I give meets its purpose.
In tracing a donation, I called the American Red Cross and asked them to walk me through what happens to donations. I also asked them why donors should look to give to one origination over another.
The answer is that reputable national disaster relief organizations are routinely vetted and are asked to prove how much of each dollar is actually spent on relief. Check them out before donating.
Ironically, Meghan McCandless, the Red Cross person assigned to answer my questions, lives in western North Carolina. Her part of the state is suffering and it will take a long time to rebuild from Helene blasting through Asheville and neighboring communities. She’s proud to be a national spokesperson for the Red Cross because “90 cents of every dollar donated goes to disaster relief.”
Right now the the Red Cross is in overdrive. Its website states, “More than 14,000 people spent Thursday night in evacuation shelters across Florida, where the danger isn’t over. Many rivers are at flood stage and heavy rain and thunderstorms could lead to flooding over the weekend. Millions are without power, and Milton’s damage can be seen across the state from the numerous tornadoes, heavy rain, strong winds and storm surge.”
We no longer have a disaster season, the warm months when hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires traditionally occur. With climate change, scientists say we now encounter year-round disaster seasons, increasing the need for generosity and a diversity of donors.
I asked McCandless what happens if someone can only give a small amount; is that worth it? “Absolutely, is the answer,” she said. “One small donation combines with other small donations to make a giant impact. And a 5-dollar donation can purchase a blanket for someone at a shelter.”
Through the Red Cross, you can also donate directly to Helene and Milton Relief and designate precisely where you want your money to go.
People never expect the epic problems facing Hurricane Helene and Milton’s victims. Yet we are all connected through the thread of humankind. A wise person once said, “It’s a good thing you can’t see around the corner.”
In this case, who could have anticipated back-to-back hurricanes that have left so many in need? Consider donating to a nationally vetted disaster relief organization and ensure that close to 100 percent of your gift goes to those in need.