How to Help?

There are a number of people who are moved by what they see in the news coverage out of these deadly storms.  Here are some guidelines for those who would like to help:

The American Red Cross can provide disaster assistance with a premium on speed, thanks to those volunteers who have specific training to help in key areas.  Those trained personnel can be dropped immediately into a recovery effort, unlike “spontaneous” volunteers.

Those who are interested in “plugging in” to disaster relief with the American Red Cross are encouraged to get in touch with their local chapter and find out about disaster classes.

Those who are unable to get directly involved can support the efforts of other volunteers through a donation to the Disaster Relief Fund.  Those financial gifts can be made through our secure website portal at www.redcross.org — or over the phone at 1-800-RED CROSS.

Please do not start gathering and collecting items without first confirming the need with your local chapter.  In many cases, those donated items cost the Red Cross more to store, sort, and deliver than their actual value.