After a disaster, many of us want to help. Some people send disaster preparedness items like clothing, books, water bottles, and food supplies. But, as the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) notes, “It is better to send cash donations instead of having to transport and store items at great expense. Quite often, survivors do not need or can’t use goods that are donated by generous fellow citizens. Organizations that receive unsolicited donations have to take time to catalogue and store such materials, which takes valuable time away from working on urgent needs.” 

Disaster preparedness involves the ability to identify organizations that accept donations before, during, or after a disaster. You can donate and help those in need through Donate – Hawai`i VOAD (hawaiistatevoad.org).