How to Help with Hurricane Irene Relief Efforts

From US Fish & Wildlife Service

One thing I love about social media is the ability to partner with so many great organizations. One group that I find very helpful is Network For Good.

Network for Good is a website where users can donate to charities and search for volunteer opportunities. Founded in 2001 their mission is to "imagine what the world would be like if every time you were inspired to help someone or something, you could -- with just a few clicks of a mouse, anywhere online (website)."

If you want to find a way to help Hurricane Irene victims, then check out their post. Not only do they let you donate right away, but they also provide tips on giving. I provide them in a bullet-list but you can read more about each one on the second tab from their post.

• Give to an established 
• Designate your gift
• Avoid telemarketers
• Research and follow up
• Give online

 

The post even allows you to partner with them as a non-profit working with Hurricane Irene. Just click the "Nonprofit Guidelines" tab for more information.  

Should Churches be like Microsoft or Apple?

From AP: www.foxnews.com

I read a great discussion about how two mega-companies are trying to help Japan: Apple & Microsoft.  I most like the questions posed by Charlie White (Mashable) at then end of his post:

What do you think of this...? Should multibillion dollar corporations simply donate to these causes, should they try to get us involved, or should they just facilitate our donations? Are these crass attempts at capitalizing on horrific tragedy? Do nonprofits get a pass, as long as it doesn’t look like they’re self-promoting too much? Where do you draw the line?

Join the discussion on Charlie's thread, "Apple & MIcrosoft take different approaches to Japan relief.

I think churches like ours should seek to facilitate donations whether the funds are processed through the church or not, people need help.  When I look at the images or hear a report from Japan, I am reminded of Jesus' response to those in need,

"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick (Matthew 14:14)." Or "Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way (Matthew 15:35)."

Jesus saw the need and responded. How it got taken care of in His situation was miraculous. How we get it done is either compassionate or not. It's up to you. Donate now!

A few of many ways to give:

• GBIM: To donate $100 now, click here. GBIM has set up a relief fund to help. Ralph & Joan Justiniano, Team leaders in Tokyo, Japan has verified the best way to provide relief and offer prayer requests for their situation in Japan.
  
• World Vision: If you can, please donate now to help  meet the urgent needs of disaster survivors in Japan and other areas devastated by the massive tsunami. And please join us in prayer for hurting children and families. Donations start at $50.
• Network for Good via American Red Cross: How To Help for Japan Earthquake via Network for Good http://post.ly/1jWI7 Beth Kanter's posterous links to a long list of organizations already on the ground and offering help.
• ITunes: 100% of your donation will go to the American Red Cross. Donations start from $5.