Washington, Kansas & Lincoln, Nebraska | The following is a response to a post on YTmag. We, as well meaning folk, sometimes compund a disaster by our generosity. Prayers and cash donations to the apropriate disaster responders are always welcome.
Chris, thanks for this.
The only caution I have for folks, is that if you have something to give make sure it's needed, wanted and can be used before sending it or going there.
Well intentioned folk have caused 2nd disasters by giving things that can't be accomodated for lack of space to store them, lack of refrigeration, etc.
Consider this story from Hurricane Hugo in South Carolina in 1989: A packing plant decided they would donate two refer loads of swinging beef to the worst afflicted area. They sent their drivers down there with instructions to unload the beef and bring the trailers home with them. There was no available refrigeration. The Church World Service Consultant on-site, a fellow by the name of Bill Nix, acquired two huge roll-off dumpsters and filled them with the beef and ice. Bill did not tell us how much of this beef was lost in the process.
Right now, clothing is a nemesis for Joplin. They neither have the place to store it, nor a means of distribution. If you want to send such or other goods, Adventist Community Services is a proper donee. For those who read this, please encourage folk you know, as well as heeding this yourselves: The best thing you can do until specific help or donations are called for, is to send money to some entity that deals in disaster relief. A couple of these are ARC, SVA and my favorite, BDM. (Brethren Disaster Minsitries.
Volunteerism is also ill advised, unless it's done under the umbrella of an agency such as BDM, MDS or CRWRC who are equipped to give direction and will know what is needed where.
Edited by Larry NCKS 5/30/2011 07:26
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Joplin, MO
