Donate money

• The fastest way to help people affected by disasters is to donate money.
• Nonprofit organizations that assist affected people.  
• The local community (city, county, tribal nation) affected by the disaster may set up a disaster donation fund to accept contributions. Check out the community’s official website or social media for details.
• Verify where your money goes to make sure that it helps the people affected by the disaster.

Donate goods

• Check with the local community affected by the disaster before sending or dropping off anything. Sometimes, the community does not want or need goods.
• The city, county, or tribal nation may post a list of goods on its website or social media and open a collection center to receive the requested goods. Please do not donate stuff that you think might be needed.
• Some nonprofit voluntary organizations will accept donated goods. Contact them before you send or drop off items. 
• Whenever you donate, try to make certain that the items are going to the people affected by the disaster.

Volunteer 

For your own safety, please do not just show up at the disaster site. You might slow down the first responders who are trying to help people that have been affected by the disaster.

There may be several opportunities to volunteer at a disaster site.

The first option is joining a Minnesota Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (MNVOAD) organization. 

• Consider joining a team now so that you can be trained and ready for the next disaster.

The second option is when the community (city, county, tribal nation) requests volunteers to help at a disaster site.

• Check out the community’s website or social media for details.
• When you arrive, register at a volunteer reception center and be given instructions for your shift.
• Wear sturdy shoes and clothes that may get dirty. Dress appropriately for the weather.
• Bring your own gloves, water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and sunglasses or hat.
• The community website should have information about specific volunteer opportunities.

The third option is to consider joining a local community emergency response team or another volunteer programs. There are many ways to help before, during, and after a disaster occurs.

Thank you for assisting people affected by disaster!