I recently came across an ad in my social media feed purporting to sell products that would directly support people in NC affected by Hurricane Helene. It sounded like a win-win, buy a cool shirt and help someone in need. But a quick google search showed this company wasn’t legit. Thus, buying their merch would not be a smart way to help anyone.
So, what are some smart ways to help?
The people affected by disasters like wildfires and hurricanes need boots-on-the-ground help to clean up the wreckage and rebuild. For most of us, it’s not practical to head out of town and spend days or weeks volunteering. So what can the rest of us do to offer practical and effective assistance to those suffering loss from disasters big or small?
First of all, don’t fall prey to scams
Unfortunately, there are wolves amongst the sheep. Giving money indiscriminately isn’t a smart way to help others.
Don’t be swayed by a sob story or promises that some company you’ve never heard of will to donate 100% of their profits to such and such cause. Check them out before clicking any links or donate buttons!
Instead of clicking the link in an ad, google the name of the company. See if they have a actual website, and look for reviews of the company and its offerings. This page offers more advice for how to check if a company is legit.
You can also search for a company on sites like these:
Be cautious with charities, too. Even when they’re legit, some organizations handle donations more effectively than others. If you’re looking for smart ways to help people, it’s best to choose an organization that you know will use your money wisely and accomplish what they promise. (More on how to choose reliable charities below.)
Support people who are able go in person
I know several people who traveled to North Carolina to assist with hurricane cleanup. One group included members of our church. Since I heard about their plans ahead of time, I was able to donate money towards supplies and travel expenses. As a side benefit, it was exciting to see photos of their progress because I was invested in their project.
I discovered other friends had joined a Samaritan’s Purse work group when I saw their pics. That brings me to a simple way we can all help. Whenever we see posts of people serving in a cause we care about, we should chime in. Commenting on and sharing their social media posts so lets them know we are behind them, and may inspire someone else to get involved.
Support legitimate organizations that send aid
Supporting non-profits is one of the simplest ways to make a difference to those facing a disaster. But there are a million non-profits out there who’d love to take your money. How do we choose the smartest ways to help?
Here are three sites that can help you decide which organizations to support.
Charity Watch
This website rates charities. You can look up charities by name, or use their list of top-rated charities here. https://www.charitywatch.org/top-rated-charities
This site also has a useful page called Charity Donating Tips to help you make wise choices about where and how to give.
Learn how Charity Watch rates charities.
Charity Navigator
This site is similar to the one above. I like that they offer curated lists to help you give where it is most needed.
This page lists highly rated charities aimed at helping victims of Hurricane Helene
This page lists highly rated charities aimed at helping victims of Hurricane Milton
Learn how charity navigator rates charities.
Forbes
If you want a quick chart of top charities, try this top 100 list from Forbes online (dated December 2023).
Support local organizations
Another smart way to help others is to work directly with a local organization, such as a church or food bank.
How do you find a suitable organization?
- Ask a friend who lives in the area
- Go through your church denomination or civic organization to find a local contact.
- Google it. Search for organizations in [place X] accepting donations and look through the results until you find a suitable organization to contact.
Consider joint projects
I was talking with a scout troop leader who is planning a project with her scouts to donate Christmas stockings for families displaced by Hurricane Helene. She is working with a local church. Her group will make the stockings and deliver them to the church. Then the church will distribute them.
Perhaps you are part of a group, such as a hiking club or choir, and you’re looking for a way to involve the whole team. Why not contact a local church or civic group and ask them for ways your group could bless the people they serve?
Volunteer locally
We can’t all give our weekends to clearing hurricane damage or rebuilding homes in a distant state, but we can get involved in our local community and make a hands-on difference to somebody.
If you’ve been feeling the nudge to do something more than donate dollars, why not start with a local group that serves your community? From food banks to libraries, from refugee services to Habitat for Humanity (and similar groups), you can find a match between your skill set and someone’s needs.
One way or another, you and I can make a difference. Let’s be smart about it and make sure our time and money are spent wisely.
