Important Donation Information for Victims of Hurricane Florence

As the East Coast gets battered by Hurricane Florence, various disaster relief agencies are urging people to refrain from collecting "stuff" to donate to victims of the storm.  Here's the official statement from Daviess County Emergency Management.  It explains why "stuff" can actually cause more issues than it helps.

According to Andy Ball, from DCEMA, "the last thing needed will be donated stuff."  In fact, emergency agencies are going further to urge concerned citizens to "NOT collect/donate 'stuff', especially used clothing and canned goods, unless specifically requested by organizations."

Naturally, people want to help during large scale disasters.  However, it's important to keep in mind "that all donated goods have to be received, sorted, stored, transported, sometimes cleaned, etc. Costs for this process can be tremendous, taking away resources that victims need. Many previous disasters have been made much worse due to this donated “stuff”. By donating stuff, many times the person donating is making the situation worse, rather than better, which surely was not their intention."

As damage reports roll in from Hurricane Florence, THIS is what you're asked to donate.  Money.  Ball says, "The local economy needs cash, local spending and relief agencies need it to buy local."  Obviously, this helps rebuild the local economy after a disaster.

Disaster relief agencies, such as the American Red Cross, are already accepting donations for Hurricane Florence victims and are in the process of organizing orchestrated fundraising campaigns to assist.  In fact, the American Red Cross here in the tristate is planning an event next week and we'll have more information for you as soon as we have it.  WBKR will be partnering with that event and we'll share donation information as soon as possible.