The best way to help victims of the natural disasters like the Kokomo tornadoes or the catastrophic Baton Rouge flooding is to contribute financially to a reputable charity. The American Red Cross estimates flood recovery efforts will cost nearly $30 million. As of Monday they had only received $7.8 million in donations and pledges. Red Cross volunteers are already in central Indiana providing emergency services in the aftermath of yesterday’s tornadoes.
Disaster relief experts say giving money is the easiest way to ensure supplies get to where they are needed the most. Well-intended donations of food, clothing and household items must be sorted, warehoused and distributed. Doing so pulls staff and volunteers away from more immediate tasks.
The intense storm that slammed Louisiana last week affected as many as 110,000 homes. Red Cross Vice President for Disaster Services Operations and Logistics Bard Keiserman says it’s the worst the country has seen since Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
Contributions can be made by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters.
Before you contribute funds to an organization, verify their tax exempt status and make sure your contribution is actually going to help flood victims by visiting the IRS website.
