Financial contributions to PAVOAD members are the fastest, most flexible and most effective method of donating. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, which supports economic recovery.
PA VOAD members operating in the affected area know where volunteers are needed. Depending on the disaster and the current phase it is in, volunteers can be extremely helpful to ensure survivors can return to their new normal. By working with an established non-profit organization, the appropriate safety, training and skills can be considered.
While all donations are appreciated, CASH IS BEST. Pennsylvania VOAD is fully-vetted, experienced, and staffed by dedicated professionals who will get the most out of your generous donation. If you wish to make a financial donation to Pennsylvania VOAD, Click here.
Do not send or bring unsolicited donations. In the early stages of the response phase, most organizations are unable to accommodate any material goods. Unsolicited donations create a challenge of storage and sorting when focus is needed on response and recovery. Contact us for information on what is needed.
Cash is Best
Cash offers Pennsylvania VOAD the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources. Organizations typically prefer cash donations because they allow our members to:
- Purchase food, water, medicine, and equipment from secure and familiar supply chains
- Buy materials locally. This can help rebuild the local economy
- Conserve resources. Money is always necessary and cheap to send, but the cost to ship material supplies can be expensive.
- Remember, material supplies such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, and mixed or perishable food require helping agencies to redirect volunteer labor away from providing direct one-on-one assistance to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.
Discover more ways you can donate and/or help at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/recover/volunteer-donate.