Helping Out

First, thanks to everyone for the well wishes on our recent wedding anniversary. All were read and very much appreciated by Grenville (Pat) and Beatrice (Dorothy). We celebrated with a couple of in-state getaways, which will be described in a future post or two.

Today, our thoughts are with those U.S. folks who have suffered devastating losses from Hurricane Harvey, the first major hurricane to make landfall in over a decade.

Like so many others, we want to help. The best way to help out is by monetary donations which relief organizations prefer as it causes less of a strain on resources. Material donations incur expenses like transportation costs, shipping delays, or time managing goods unlike financial donations.

Ensure that your financial donation is secure by going through the organization's official website or by mailing a check. Avoid donating over the phone or through email from unknown social media pages. All these are easier targets for unscrupulous scammers who, unfortunately, come out in times of disaster. 

The Red Cross relies on financial donations to give immediate relief. Its set up a way to donate with an easy text: Text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation. You can also visit redcross.org or call 1- 800-RED CROSS.

United Way also lets you text a donation: Text UWFLOOD to 41444 to donate to the United Way Flood Relief Fund.

The Salvation Army is accepting donations by online, mail or phone. Hurricane Harvey relief efforts can be made at helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

If you're ever unsure of where your financial contribution is going. You can check the charity by checking with a charity monitoring organization, like there: GiveWell, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch before making a donation.