In addition to showing an increased amount of preparation, supplies and expertise compared to Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Gustav has also demonstrated the capacity of the American Red Cross to move towards receiving large amounts of small donations – and the increased interest from the American public in helping this way.
Most impressive is the new ability for donors to donate $5 by texting “Give” to “2Help” on any AT&T, Alltel, Sprint, T-Mobile USA or Verizon Wireless phone. While donating online or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS are still options, texting a small $5 donation is a quick and easy way to give on the fly. The $5 are automatically deducted from your monthly wireless bill. (Normal texting rates apply, because those never go away.)
What’s also been exciting is the involvement of both political campaigns in putting politics aside and generating small donations. Barack Obama’s campaign sent a message to its supporters on the 1st of September:
Today, the thoughts and prayers of all Americans are with those in the path of Hurricane Gustav — and many of you are asking what you can do to help.
[...] Your financial support will strengthen organizations like the American Red Cross that are evacuating Gulf Coast residents and planning to help communities get back on their feet.
John McCain’s website features an Organizations page linking supporters to relief organizations that are helping each state. Laura Bush and Cindy McCain also devoted significant time during the first night of the RNC convention to appeal for donations to those affected by recent disasters.
These campaigns are just an example of the many organizations and groups across the country that have rallied to help their fellow Americans through small donations to the Red Cross. This new wave of fundraising will be even more critical as the Red Cross attempts to strengthen its Disaster Relief Fund; both small and large donations help to provide supplies to those in need.
And, with about three months to go in hurricane season, it is crucial that funds are made available for disasters in the near and distant future through the Disaster Relief Fund.
Filed under: Disaster, Fundraiser, Press | Tagged: Disaster Relief Fund, fundraising, Hurricane Gustav, mccain, obama, texting
