If your facebook feeds are anything like mine, then you've been flooded with images and news sources this past week of the devastation that hurricane matthew brought. In times like these it's easy to look at the images, feel sad, wish someone would do something to help, and then scroll down. I'm so well meaning, but there have been countless times where I've thought about wanting to do something for people later when I have the time, and simply forget as the news cues up the next story to flood my home page.
Today I'm giving you, as well as myself, extra encouragement to follow through on our well wishes. I've found five different organizations dedicated towards helping with relief efforts towards the victims of Hurricane Matthew and listed them below. As an added bonus the ways to help are already linked how to donate for Hurricane Matthew aid in each description! By simply packing your lunch one extra day this week, or giving up a starbucks or two you can make a serious dent on the desperate need that many people are facing today.
1. American Red Cross
The American Red Cross expanded its massive sheltering effort to span five states. Across five states, nearly 7,000 people woke up Monday morning in 156 Red Cross and community emergency shelters.
The Red Cross has mobilized more than:
- 3,000 disaster workers
- 149 response vehicles
- 100 trailers filled with water, ready-to-eat meals, shelter and kitchen supplies.
The Red Cross depends on donations to provide immediate relief. Help people affected by Hurricane Matthew by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word MATTHEW to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
2. Unicef
The United Nation's Children's fund is dedicated to the survival and well-being of children. According to the organization's website, 90 percent of all donations go directly to children. They are accepting donations for disaster relief in Haiti here.
3. Brother Wolf
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is a No Kill organization in Asheville, North Carolina. Brother Wolf's mission is Our core ethic of uncompromised compassion is the foundation of our No Kill mission. They have an unwavering commitment to better the lives of the animals is the guiding force of their work.
What really makes Brother Wolf outstanding in this situation their Rapid Relief Fund which helps animals suffering in the aftermath of disaster.
I met one of the wonderful staff members of Brother Wolf while visiting Asheville and she had just returned from the floods in Louisiana. She explained how they rescued hundreds of animals and worked to reunite them with their families or had them flown all over the country and placed in no kill shelters. I absolutely love their no kill mission and the work that they do all over the U.S. Donate HERE.
4. World Vision
World Vision serves more than 900,000 people, including 58,000 sponsored children, through programs in 200 rural and urban communities in Haiti, according to a press release. World Vision prepositioned emergency supplies to assist up to 15,000 families with items including tarps, water containers, hygiene kits and blankets.
Your gift to the Hurricane Matthew Relief Fund will help provide immediate relief to children and families impacted by this fierce storm. Donate HERE.
5. Operation Blessing
Operation Blessing International (OBI) is one of the largest charities in America, providing humanitarian services such as strategic disaster relief, medical aid, hunger relief, clean water and community development in 37 countries in the last year. They are working in the U.S. and internationally to provide aid for the victims of Hurricane Matthew. Donate HERE.