How to Help Individuals Affected by Hurricanes
After fleeing Hurricane Ike, over a thousand individuals are staying at an abandoned Walmart here in Tyler, Texas. The filthy building was in the process of being scrubbed, but time ran out. Living in a warehouse with a multitude of other families is only part of the nightmare. Not knowing what you will return to completes the fear. My heart is compelled to reach out to my new, hopefully, very temporary, neighbors.
DJ is thinking about the individuals displaced by the storm, too. She asked me about ways to help. Prayer is so important, but what actions can follow our petitions to God? He works through our hands.
Jube has dealt with hurricanes on more than one occasion, and gave these suggestions in the Texas Home Educators group. These ideas are for helping evacuees, if they are in your city.
- Take games and coloring books to the shelters and hotels.
- While there, see if you can hold day camp activities for the children.
- Serve a dinner at your church to help with food expenses.
You may not be as close to victims of this storm, but still want to help. Our local food bank is partnering with the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. You can find more information at any of those links. Also, I’m sure churches nationwide will be helping with disaster relief. See if you can be a part. The hardest hit areas will need assistance for months to come.
Another question DJ had was about giving homeschoolers books. Last year, I learned of The Book Samaritan through a testimony. This organization distributes curriculum to families who state they have a financial need. The books are stamped with a seal to help ensure they are never sold, so your gift will continue to bless others.
Do you have any other ideas? If you have lived through the aftermath of natural disasters, what blessed you most?
Update: Mandy is collecting donations for her neighbors in the Houston area. You can give through PayPal to the account adropofkindness (at) mandymom (dot) com. She will let you know who your donation helps.
I can’t imagine evacuating, but with kids? a WHOLE new ball game. esp. little ones that need their set sleep times and comforts of their beds to sleep well. Poor moms. My heart goes out to them.
Great post, I wondered since around here we seldom deal with that sort of thing (worst we get is severe thunderstorms and the occasional tornado). I usually just bake cookies. :)
Emily,
I know. It must be so difficult, but I bet the kids will remember it as an adventure. :)
Heather,
Baking cookies sounds great to me. Sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most in difficult situations.
Thank you, Renae, I have linked to your post at my blog.
Blessings!