A VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER CONCERNING DONATIONS TO RELIEF ORGANIZATIONS IN THE WAKE OF SANDY

[markpkessinger]

A very dear friend of mine, and one-time flatmate many years ago, is a Red Cross coordinator here in NYC. She posted this reminder about why, when donating to the Red Cross or any other relief organization, in the wake of Sandy or any other disaster, it is best NOT to earmark your donation for victims of any one, particular disaster. Such earmarked donations actually hinder these organizations more than they help them in carrying out their work. Mary lays out the case:

Mary O'Shaughnessy
9 hours ago

When you read posts by people who want you to specify that donations to The American Red Cross in Greater New York (or any other relief organization) should go to a specific purpose, remind them of this:

Restricting donations to disasters that have already happened is very damaging.

BEFORE Sandy hit, the Red Cross had to already own functioning, inspected, registered, insured vehicles--and had t
o have money available for gas and oil. Those vehicles were used to move blankets, cots, MREs, water, and other supplies into position so they would be available once roads were blocked. Those goods already had to be purchased and in warehouses (which need insurance, electricity, etc.)

The people--90% of whom are volunteers--needed offices, which means electricity, water, heat/air conditioning, computers, furniture, printers, paper, toner, telephones, Internet service, etc. etc--all of which had to have been purchased and set up.

Do you see now why unrestricted money is so important? The Red Cross (and every disaster relief organization) needs to be able to prepare for upcoming disasters. If you restrict your donation to being used in past disasters, you are not helping prepare for the next--which could involve you.

[sharkman25]

1. Earmarking, nevertheless, does guarantee your donation goes where YOU want it to. n/t

[markpkessinger]

3. And after all, your own ego is the important thing, right? n/t

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. Sorry, after the 911 fiasco

I give to other organizations, not the ARC, and lord knows I believe in the mission.

[markpkessinger]

4. I understand that ...

... And please note that this was not in any way intended as a kind of backdoor solicitation for contributions. As my friend points out, her point applies equally well to other relief organizations as well.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. I understand and trust me, as a former Mexican red cross worker

I would prefer to give to the arc. At times I donate to the ICRC, the international spreads the love where it's most needed.