Disaster Fire Relief
Having worked disaster relief before, these are some things I’ve learned.
People helping with things like clothing will get overwhelmed with the sorting. Their energy would be better served if you either take new t-shirts, jeans, boots, tennis shoes, underwear and socks in packages which are clearly marked. Or…put gently used clothing in ziplock bags with sizes. Please don’t overwhelm volunteers with items which are useless to those working the fires or recovering from great losses.
Fireworkers will need work gloves, goggles, chapstick, eye drops, beef jerky, granola bars, nut bars, Gatorade early on. Eventually, homeowners will need tools like hammers, shovels, axes. Ranchers will need feed for animals.
Homeowners will eventually need everything you need to set up a home—furniture, blankets, pots & pans, dishes, silverware, glassware.
Find a church or benevolence ministry which has become a donation center and volunteer time and money. As you know of homeowners who have lost everything, set up accounts to help them. (Please note that certain funding apps take a large percentage of money).
Pray with people Hug people. Minister with time, money, and what you have. Bring your gifts in an organized manner. And love big! Emergencies always bring out the very best in Texans!!!
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