How to deal with tragedies

Tragedy is always a sorrowful event, but even more heartbreaking when it occurs so close to the holidays. Recently, we have seen the devastation from tornadoes in the Midwest, the strongest typhoon to batter the Philippines and, locally, four buildings were demolished in a fire in downtown Olympia.

When these disasters happen several things occur; first there is the outpouring of thoughts and prayers, then, collections are started to enable those well-intentioned folks to donate from their closets and pantries. Next is the organization of emergency funds -- followed by the negative comments regarding how those emergency funds are managed.

What you can do

As someone who has worked national disasters, I can assure you that the victims need your thoughts and prayers and monetary donations to local and national reputable nonprofits. I have seen firsthand storage warehouses (that is plural) still full of donated clothing, diapers, bleach, and cleaning supplies intended for Hurricane Katrina victims that were never sent. This was not the fault of any organization that received the items; it is just physically impossible to coordinate the sorting and distribution of so many (often dirty and used) items. Also, keep in mind that you really do not need cleaning supplies if you no longer have a home. I know that I may sound like a “negative nelly” during the holiday season, but I would rather have those of you who want to show your support know how to really make a difference.

Money speaks louder than socks

Donating monetarily to approved emergency funds is by far the best way to help the victims of tragedy. As I said last week, regarding food banks, nonprofits can convert your dollars into food, clothing and other essentials that can support the victims of tragedy much more effectively than you and I can.

Nonprofits also recognize there is a window of support, and they will often hold back some resources for when donations dry up (when was the last time you donated to Haiti?). I know people who are still suffering from the tornadoes that wreaked havoc in Dallas in 2019. The news has all but stopped talking about that tragedy (except for an occasional anniversary story) but the families still need support, and they are getting it through the local emergency response funds started just after the tornadoes went back into the clouds.

One donation is nice – monthly donation makes an impact

The people in the Midwest, the Philippines and in downtown Olympia will not be made whole immediately. It will take years for them to recover what they have lost. Therefore, please consider converting your gift to a monthly contribution instead of making a one-time gift. If you are afraid you might forget that you did this (like the subscription to a streaming channel) make a note on your calendar to review your donations in six months. Setting up a monthly contribution allows the nonprofits to strategize better how they manage the funds received.

Where to Donate

• American Red Cross (ARC) https://www.redcross.org/ – Yes, this is still one of the best places to donate following a tragedy. I can (and probably will) write entire columns on how the stories of mismanagement by the ARC are unfounded. You may donate to the general fund that allows the ARC to utilize your funds in the most effective way or donate to a specific emergency fund that ensures that your funds will only benefit those impacted by that specific tragedy (this is called designated giving).
• United Way Thurston County (UWTC) https://securepayment.link/unitedwayofthurstoncounty/ - has activated its Emergency Response Fund to provide direct assistance to those impacted by the fire in downtown Olympia. According to Chris Wells, Executive Director of UWTC, “We will be coordinating and working in partnership with City of Olympia leadership to identify unmet needs and provide rapid financial assistance to meet those needs.”
• GoFundMe Campaigns.  While GoFundMe campaigns are not nonprofit, they do offer a way for individuals to help others. The vast majority of these campaigns are legitimate, but be sure to do your research before contributing.  For a list of local campaigns, see our story.  

Blood donation works, too

Bloodworks Northwest https://www.bloodworksnw.org/ If you are not able to donate monetarily (and even if you are) a wonderful way to show your support for the victims of tragedy is to donate blood. Blood centers like our own Bloodworks Northwest work together to ensure that all areas of the United States have the quantities of life-saving blood they need. I was working at the blood bank in Dallas when the Oklahoma City Bombing occurred, and I saw firsthand how many citizens came to donate to show their support for the victims. This may surprise you, but there is still no substitute for blood. If the blood supply is low, emergency surgeries and even life-saving treatments can be cancelled. During the holidays, the need for blood increases due to more elective surgeries and accidents so for whatever reason, please consider in these last few weeks of the year to make a blood donation. Each blood donation has the potential to save four lives.

Soliciting your ideas

If you know of a nonprofit that is doing something great, celebrating a success, needs some outstanding volunteers or hosting an event, let me know! This column (aside from a little education) celebrates nonprofits! 

Mary Beth Harrington, CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) lives in Tumwater. She travels the country speaking at conferences and to individual organizations articulating issues facing nonprofits. Send your ideas to her at  MaryBeth@theJOLTnews.com