How to Help Fire Victims
57In a matter of hours, a person’s entire world can be turned upside down from the devastation of a fire. Be it a house fire or a wildfire taking out thousands of acres and homes at a stretch, the end result is that the victims need support and help rebuilding their lives. Here’s what to donate to help rebuild people’s lives.
Tips for helping fire victims
Find a donation location. –Find out what social service facility or facilities are being used as a staging area for donated goods. Find out what times items can be dropped off, and if you live nearby find out if they need help sorting donations.
Think practical – When you’ve lost EVERYTHING, you need everything. Start with basics such as personal hygiene products: hair brush, toothbrushes in adult and kid sizes. Shampoo in smaller containers (storage space may be a problem so go with smaller sizes immediately following a disaster.) Think about all the things in your bathroom and know that the victims have none of those essentials.
Donate clothing – Again be practical, donate clothing appropriate for the season. Don’t unload last year’s summer clothing when the victims are facing a cold winter. Think immediate need.
Donate non-perishable foods. – Canned goods, along with kitchen basics are very much welcome. Think ease of preparation when choosing which foods to donate. If you’re not local to the area where the disaster has struck, send grocery store or restaurant gift cards. Be sure to send such items to reputable organizations so your help gets to the people who need it.
Give money – When donating money to a large organization such as the Red Cross, be sure to designate where the money should go. You can donate online with the Red Cross or other disaster relief organizations.
Give boxes. - Donation centers always are short of boxes to hold donated items to be given to families in need. Any that you can scrounge up are greatly appreciated.
Consider upcoming holidays – If the holidays are just around the corner, small new toys for children would help to make the season a tiny bit brighter.
Walk through your home – Look at all the objects, practical and sentimental that make up your life. Contemplate what has been lost by fire victims; make your donation choices
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A tribute poem that is overdue on this sit.
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For We Are Aussies And We Care Raymond J Warren Brisbane Qld February 9th 2009 Did you see that fireball a’rolling, down the valley fair And the timber smoke a’rising, from the beauty that was there? Did you hear the bird’s loud calling, in fear as they flew, And house dogs barking loudly, at the fright that they felt too?
Did you hear the wind loud roaring, like a jet plane overhead, Did you see the roadway littered with the dying and the dead? Did you hear the crackling bushland and see the volunteers fight, Did you watch the orange horizon in the darkness of the night?
Can you hear the men hard yelling, as they run this way and that, Can you hear the horses screaming as they gallop on the flat? Do you hear the child calling as she stands now safe alone, “Where’s my daddy have you seen him, I want my daddy home!”
Do you know that sinking feeling of the loss and loneliness, As you stand before your once proud home and feel the emptiness. Do you know that heartache, as you sift through ashes bare? Does a tear come to your reddened eyes, for memories stolen there?
Can you hear the deathly cry go up, to meet the burnished sky, Of fathers with their children gone and a mother's mournful sigh. And those who search the empty roads, for loved ones, who don't come,
The old and wise who blame themselves, for not telling them to run.
But please don’t worry strongly, there is something you should know, We can’t bring back your loved ones, or the tokens for to show. But we can share your pain, for our shoulders we lay bare. So lay your head upon our breast, we are Aussies and we care.
I want to say great job. I have a Yahoo Group room helpafirevictim
I see many families who lose all. I have found over the 9 years that direction is most important to aid others. Information and direction lead people to the first level of recovery.
My site has local phone numbers and alot of links. It also has a list of things to do NOW after a fire.
My comment is not to promote just share ideas. Great job
Great comment Mike - and thanks for the kudos - you're doing great work too. Keep it up!
Mandy says:
12 months ago
wonderful suggestions...my family members have just been through a fire that completely took their entire home & belongings. we're currently trying to find ways to help them rebuild, mainly clothing, food, shelter, hygiend etc. everyone is safe & well, but now the emotional toll is taking effect. this is a great page to refer to, to help those in need.