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Charitable Donations in Times of Crisis
by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.
When tragedy strikes, it is important to empower children by teaching them that there are many ways for them to help with the recovery process. One of the most important ways that families across the country can make a difference is to make donations to charitable organizations. Even young children can start learning some of the basic principles of donating including:
- Even small donations are welcome. Children can learn at a very young age that if everyone works together and donates just one can of food or one dollar, we all can make a difference.
- In most cases, monetary donations are the most useful. Giving money provides the organization the flexibility to quickly respond to whatever need is at hand--whether it is providing shelter, water, food, clothing, or medical supplies. You can set a good example by writing a check to a disaster-relief organization, as well as by encouraging your child to donate a portion of her own allowance or savings. Remind her that even pocket change adds up--school-age and older children can contribute to--perhaps even organize--fundraising drives through their schools, scout troops, neighborhood associations, or churches, temples, or mosques.
- Help your child figure out what else might be useful in a given crisis. (In fact, it's always useful to contact relief agencies directly before you start looking for donations to be sure you are meeting current needs.) In cold weather, for instance, charities might be asking for warm clothes or blankets, and canned food is almost always of great assistance. Take care to remind your children that it is not helpful to donate items that are perishable (such as fresh fruits, vegetables, or meats) or that aren't clean or in good shape--people who are trying to help after disasters don't have the time or resources to clean or repair items.
- Donations of one kind or another are always needed so it is important to get into the habit of donating regularly--encourage your children to make this a lifelong habit.
Donations for the tragedy in New York and Washington
There are many worthwhile organizations that need help right now. Donations can be made to them directly, or you can donate to local drives (e.g., in my community a television station and a local bank are collecting donations to pass on to needy areas). Unfortunately, times of crisis bring out the worst in some people and there are abundant reports of telephone and Internet solicitations by scam artists. Be sure to give your donations to entities that are reputable and that will forward them to the causes you intended. Don't hesitate to question an agency's creditials if you have doubts about it. Some excellent agencies that need donations include:
- The Salvation Army has sent staff and volunteers to help provide shelter and food for survivors and rescue workers. They also are providing people to counsel the bereaved. For more information go to www.salvationarmy-usaeast.org/help/donation.shtml.
- The United Way has set up the September 11 Fund to address the needs of this tragedy. They will use your contribution to mobilize resources to respond to the urgent needs of victims and their families affected by these attacks. For more information go to www.uwnyc.com/epledge/sept11.cfm.
- The Red Cross is accepting donations over the phone at 1-800-HELP-NOW, over the Internet at www.redcross.org.
- Catholic Charities USA has been commissioned by U.S. Catholic bishops to represent the Catholic community in times of domestic disaster. It is collecting donations to help with disaster relief for the current crisis. Their Disaster Response Office connects the Church's social service agencies and disaster planning offices across the nation. For more information, go to www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.
- United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is planning pastoral care and trauma. Any response by UMCOR will be coordinated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross, and Church World Service member communions. For more information, you can contact your local United Methodist church, call 1-800-554-8583, or go to http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor.
- FireDonations is owned, operated, and maintained by professional firefighters in the Pacific Northwest. The mission of this nonprofit corporation is to assist those who have been adversely affected by fire. To learn more, go to www.firedonations.com.
- The National Organization For Victim Assistance (NOVA) is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1975. NOVA's mission is to promote rights and services for victims of crime and crisis everywhere. For information about donating, you can go to www.try-nova.org.
- Others. You may prefer to help charitable organizations in your own community, or in communities that have been stricken. Helping.org is an online resource designed to help people find volunteer and giving opportunities in their own communities and beyond. For more information go to the helping.org website.
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Created September 12, 2001
Reviewed September 12, 2001
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