| Several of the largest natural disasters have occurred | | | | 5. Donate Funds. Make a financial contribution to |
| recently. These include the earthquake and tsunami in | | | | organizations that support the victims of the disaster. |
| South East Asia and Hurricane Katrina in the Southern | | | | The Red Cross responds to thousands of disasters |
| United States. Thousands of disasters occur every | | | | each year. You can donate at 1-800-HELP-NOW. |
| year. They all don't affect thousands of people, but | | | | 6. Donate Items. When disaster strikes, people can |
| the impact is as dire for each one that has to | | | | be without necessities for a long time. You can help |
| experience it. Each time a disaster occurs our hearts | | | | by donating some of these items. If you want to |
| go out to those affected. However, what can we do | | | | support relief efforts by providing items, one of the |
| when we are many miles away? | | | | best ways is to build and send relief kits. The United |
| The following are some of the ways you might | | | | Methodist Committee on Relief and Operation |
| contribute to others affected by a disaster: | | | | Blessing are two organizations that teach you how to |
| 1. Pray. If you believe that miracles happen every | | | | make the relief kits and where to send them. You |
| day, as I do, then prayer should be at the top of | | | | can contact these organizations at 1-800-814-8765 |
| your list. | | | | and 1-757-226-3401, respectively. |
| 2. Give Blood. There is always a need for blood. | | | | 7. Provide Shelter. If you are a property owner with |
| Especially when major disasters occur. Contact the | | | | vacant rental housing, you might help those driven |
| Red Cross to learn about giving blood and schedule a | | | | from their home. Contact Disaster Housing Resources |
| time to donate at 1-800-GIVELIFE. | | | | Online to learn more and register your available space. |
| 3. Send Notes. Give hope to the victims of the | | | | 8. Have a Fundraiser. If you cannot afford to donate |
| disaster as well as the relief workers by sending an | | | | funds, conduct a fundraising event. The event does |
| encouraging note. If you do not have specific | | | | not need to be extravagant. I am aware of adults |
| individuals to send to, send your notes to the local | | | | and kids that raised money for a cause by having a |
| area through relief agencies, churches, schools and | | | | yard sale and selling lemonade. |
| newspapers. | | | | 9. Purchase Items. Shop at stores and eat at |
| 4. Volunteer. Go with a group to the location of the | | | | restaurants that donate a portion of their profits to |
| disaster to be a part of the rebuilding process. This | | | | support disaster relief efforts. You will discover |
| could be with a local church or organization. You can | | | | several businesses making this kind of contribution |
| also donate your time to volunteer organizations that | | | | following major disasters. |
| respond to disasters. One of the first to respond is | | | | This list is a sample of things you could do. I challenge |
| the Salvation Army. You can register your desire to | | | | you to identify two or more ways you plan to |
| volunteer by contacting your local Salvation Army | | | | contribute to disaster relief efforts. Act on them |
| office. | | | | starting today. |