Sending Hope & Help
I had another post planned today but as the events unfold in Southeast Asia, I felt it was more important to share a few options to help those in need. While giving clothing, teddy bears, and the like are incredibly thoughtful and generous acts; medical care, shelter and nourishment are in urgent need, and financial donations can be used by those on the ground as they see best in their response.
Doctors Without Borders: an international non-profit organization provides medical aid to those in need regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation, and are always involved in disaster situations with crucial medical care.
The International Committee of the Red Cross: works worldwide to provide humanitarian help for people affected by conflict and armed violence and to promote the laws that protect victims of war. It also provides assistance during natural disasters, and the Philippines Red Cross has already started assisting families reconnect.
Mercy Corps: works internationally and is working with partners on the ground to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of survivors.
The mGive Foundation collects donations from U.S. wireless subscribers, who can text AID to 80108 to give a $10 donation to the organization’s Philippines Typhoon Disaster Relief Fund. Charges will appear on the user’s wireless bill or will be deducted from a prepaid balance. Text STOP to 80108 to stop or HELP for assistance.
Whether it’s $10 or $100, giving what you can will be greatly appreciated by those responding to the needs of those affected by this disaster.
By no means is this a complete list of all the agencies working to assist those affected by Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. The ones noted above are agencies I have come to trust in giving financially to and appreciate the work they do for various populations affected by natural disasters or other circumstances. Before giving to any agency, please take the five minutes to research to avoid giving to those who see this as an opportunity to scam good samaritans. Organizations such as Charity Navigator and GuideStar provide donors great snapshots and ratings of thousands of NGOs/NPOs.