When natural disasters strike, New Yorkers often turn to local businesses, community organizations, churches or relief groups to help people affected thousands of miles away. But knowing what to donate, how to get supplies to survivors, and what to avoid can be challenging.
Recent earthquake relief efforts organized by New York’s Colombian, Venezuelan and Panamanian communities offer us some lessons. Here’s a guide of the things we’ve learned.
Another disaster happened. Where can I start?
Donation centers and volunteer opportunities often emerge locally after a disaster. Here are sources you can research to find out the efforts being made:
- Social media: During the first stages of relief efforts, consulates, embassies, and trusted local organizations will post resources on their social media. Make sure you verify each effort before you donate.
- Local organizations: Organizations already serving members of an affected nationality or group will often know how to direct people to verified resources.
- Embassies and Consulates: During times of crisis, many embassies and consulates open their doors for donations. Contact an embassy for the affected country and find out what resources they need.
- Councilmembers representing the affected communities: In New York, many councilmembers whose constituents are part of a community affected by an emergency in another country open their offices for donation drop-offs and amplify local efforts. Search for what council members represent the areas where the nationality predominates, and call their office.
For example, council member Sandy Nurse, who represents the Panamanian community in District 37, organized efforts to receive donation items in her office alongside other council members.
What items should I donate?
The most useful donations depend on the needs of survivors and the organizations distributing aid. In previous relief efforts, New York collection centers have requested:
- Nonperishable food: Canned goods, rice, beans and other shelf-stable foods.
- Personal hygiene supplies: Soap, toothbrushes, menstrual products and diapers.
- Emergency supplies: First aid materials and other items requested by relief organizers.
- Packing materials: Cardboard boxes and packing tape for preparing supplies for shipment.
Needs can change as emergency response efforts move from immediate relief to longer-term recovery. Do not assume that a collection center is accepting every item on this list. Contact organizers before dropping anything off, and ask whether supplies must be new, unopened, or meet other requirements.
Is it better to donate money or supplies?
Both options can make a difference, and it is often up to the donor’s capacity to choose. It is best to check with local organizers about their most pressing needs.
During the Venezuelan earthquake relief efforts this year in New York, organizers highlighted that cash donations would cover transportation and shipping expenses as sending physical goods overseas requires a considerable amount of resources, even when items are donated.
Can I volunteer?
Depending on the need for immediate relief or longer-term recovery, local initiatives may need volunteers to:
- Sort and organize donated items
- Pack boxes for shipment
- Help coordinate collection and deliveries
- Help with fundraising
Contact organizers before showing up.
How can I make sure that survivors actually receive my donation?
There are ways to verify the efforts you see online:
- Check who the organizer is: Look for efforts they’ve organized before, news articles, or collaborations with identifiable organizations.
- Ask where the donations are going: How aid will be distributed and what communities will receive it.
- Confirm current needs: Ask which items are accepted and whether monetary contributions would be more useful.
- Verify fundraising links: Confirm that a donation page is connected to the organization or campaign it claims to represent.
