Immediate Relief Supplies No Longer Needed in California, National VOAD Encourages Monetary Donations for Long Term Recovery Needs
Due to the generosity of donors from around the country, relief supplies are no longer needed in southern California. All major voluntary organizations are reporting a surplus of donated supplies, more than adequate to address the immediate needs of those affected by the wildfires.National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, or National VOAD, is a member association of every major recognized community-based and faith-based disaster response organization in this country. At this time, the member organizations of National VOAD are urging those who still wish to contribute to the wildfire recovery efforts to consider monetary donations to one of the many agencies responding to the disaster.
Monetary contributions are often the best way to assist those affected by disaster because they allow voluntary organizations to assist those most in need and to obtain goods and services locally which helps to bolster recovering economies. Monetary contributions also limit the amount of labor needed for cleaning, sorting, packaging, labeling, and storing donated goods as well as avoiding the expense of transportation of such items. To make a donation, please visit the National VOAD Web site at www.nvoad.org and click on “Where to Donate.”
In-kind, material donations given following a disaster are best when given based on a specific request from a recognized disaster response organization. This type of donation helps to meet a specific need at the specific time when it is most needed. Corporations who already have an established, working relationship with a voluntary organization are encouraged to continue providing support, directed by their non-profit partner, while specific ongoing needs may persist.
It is likely that new volunteers will be needed in this response, both in the near future and in the long-term period of rebuilding and recovery. Individuals or teams interested in volunteering are urged to contact a recognized voluntary organization for volunteer opportunities. Information on current volunteer opportunities through the state of California Office of Emergency Services can be found at www.oes.ca.gov or at www.helpindisaster.org.
Anyone interested in volunteering who is located in the southern California area is strongly encouraged to register with a recognized organization to learn about current needs. During the emergent stage of a disaster, first responders are often working at capacity and an unexpected arrival of volunteers can actually impede the progress of relief efforts.
To learn more about National VOAD and the work of its member organizations, visit www.nvoad.org.
Diana Rothe-Smith
Executive Director
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
1720 I Street NW Suite 700
Washington DC 20006
202.955.8396
mobile: 202.355.5475
