Other Important Donation Considerations:

People who've lost everything DO need to replace everything, but they don't have a place to store them. The following is a list of items that I know ARE NEEDED immediately when a disaster occurs to support those who've lost everything.

PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING THESE ITEMS FOR ALL DISASTERS:

• Water (1st Day ONLY - After the 1st day pallets will typically be donated by organizations)

• Protein Shakes

• Waterproof Totes/Bins to store items the recover and the items they pick up

• Backpacks/Suitcases/Travel Bags/Duffels

• New Packaged Underwear - all sizes

• New Packaged Socks - all sizes

• Incontinence Support Products like Depends - all sizes

• Diapers - all sizes

• Baby Formula

• Individually packaged shelf-stable snacks like granola bars (remember that chocolate melts)

• Hygiene products - think of the things you use each day like soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. 

• Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea with necessary condiments 

• Cups for the Coffee & Tea

• New packaged clothing items are preferred

  • It takes people and time to sort through used clothing items, clean them, and distribute them effectively. These items can definitely be useful later on in a person's recovery when they have access to washers/dryers, etc.

  • Work Clothes & Boots are needed so people can go back to work (donate separately and ready to wear)

  • Professional Attire items are needed so people can go back to work (donate separately and ready to wear)

• Consider donating items in bins/totes/backpacks/bags that could be used for those retrieving items to take with them.

Clean Up Specific Donation Recommendations:

• Plastic bins/totes for waterproof storage

• Shovels 

• Floor Squeegees

• Rakes

• Overalls

• Gloves

• Eye protection

Thank you for considering all the ways you can support those who've been impacted by disasters. It takes many communities to rebuild a community and support those who've lost so much. Every bit helps, but doing responsibly makes it easier to get the needed items to people as quickly as possible without consuming other needed resources.