As Windham County continues with recovery from Tropical Storm Irene, many people still need assistance – these are some of the best ways you can help. Thank you!.
Volunteer
If you are in the area, there are many opportunities to give your time to help your neighbors – and it is very much appreciated. Some organizations, such as the three below, are always set up to handle volunteers; but most places recruit volunteers for specific jobs or events that you can find out about from their websites, Facebook pages, newsletters, or word of mouth.
- VTResponse is a great site that connects people with needs and projects with volunteers – vtresponse.wordpress.com
- Red Cross of Vermont & Upper Valley, www.redcrossvtnhuv.org/ or 802-660-9130
- United Way of Windham County has a volunteer database through their website at www.unitedwaywindham.org for volunteer registration for longer-term needs (sign up and as projects arise within your window, the coordinator will contact you to see if you are available)
Give
If you are not in the area, the best way to help is with a financial donation (and it’s good if you are in the area, too!). Donated goods are nice – especially if someone expresses a need – but unsolicited goods can actually present a stressful distraction as people have to figure out how to receive, store, and distribute them. Giving money may not FEEL engaging, but it makes a HUGE difference. Ask a non-profit what they can do with your donation (of any size) and you will be amazed. Non-profit organizations can (and must) use money efficiently to provide services and buy needed goods locally (which also helps maintain the local economy).
There are many local funds set up to help specific organizations, areas, and causes that you can find out about from their websites and Facebook pages. (This site has a large list of charitable funds.) To have a broader impact, these are four places where you can donate more generally across Windham County and Vermont.
- The Southeastern Vermont Irene Long Term Disaster Recovery Committee’s Relief Fund (managed by the United Way, 100% of funds go to assisting local residents), www.unitedwaywindham.org, 802-257-4011
- Vermont Disaster Relief Fund for the long-term recovery of Vermont residents impacted by Irene, www.vermont211.org
- Vermont Food Bank, http://www.vtfoodbank.org/
- American Red Cross, Vermont & Upper Valley of New Hampshire Chapter, www.vermontredcross.org
Thank you for visiting the How to Help Out page!