In-Kind Gifts
The worst moments often bring out the best in people. Disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes often ignite an outpouring of generosity from individuals and communities who are moved to assist those whose lives have been affected. The images of devastation prompt many to respond by donating goods for the victims. Donations of goods and services, also known as in-kind donations, can be valuable resources on a relief effort.
To make an in-kind donation, please have this form completed: In-kind donation form
WISH LIST
The following are items that can be donated for internal operations at the Red Cross:
- New computer laptops
- Computer software
- Printers
- Generators
- Office furniture
- Artwork suitable for an office environment
SIZEABLE BULK DONATIONS (E.G., WATER)
“Bulk donations” refers to large donations of a single product such as water. Because the quantities required on relief operations are significant, these donations are typically provided by companies that manufacture or distribute the product needed, and have the resources to ship it directly to the disaster site.
The American Red Cross does accept sizable, bulk donations only when they meet the service delivery needs of a particular relief operation. Donations that meet the following criteria may be considered for acceptance for a national relief operation:
- Goods are in bulk quantities, palletized, and shrink-wrapped.
- The estimated time of arrival matches the needs of the operation. Generally goods must be available for immediate delivery.
- The product is of good quality
- Transportation is provided by the donor.
Misguided in-kind donations can also have the effect of hampering the relief effort if inappropriate or excessive contributions arriving at the disaster site impede the distribution of priority items. To prevent such a situation, the American Red Cross is very careful about the types of in-kind donations it accepts. The information provided here is intended to provide you with some background on how in-kind donations fit into Red Cross disaster relief activities, and information about the most effective ways to help when disaster strikes.
COLLECTION OF GOODS AND INDIVIDUAL GIFT ITEMS
Unsolicited, spontaneous donations of goods and services from individuals and community groups, though well intentioned, have hidden costs and pose a number of complications for relief efforts. For these reasons, the Red Cross is unable to accept any large collections of items, such as used clothing, hygiene items, furniture, toys, and canned goods. Nor are we able to accept small, individual donations of these items. Items such as collections of food, used clothing, and shoes often must be cleaned, sorted, and repackaged which impedes the valuable resources of money, time, and personnel that are needed for other aspects of our relief operation.
The Red Cross, in partnership with other agencies, suggests that the best use for these types of donations is to support other needy agencies within the local community and the best way to help the Red Cross is through financial donations which will allow the Red Cross to target, procure and fulfill the specific needs in any emergency or disaster.
CLOTHING
Locally, Crisis Assistance Ministry collects donated clothing. We refer most of our local disaster victims there for clothing they want to donate since Crisis Assistance Ministry is one of our local partner agencies and they do not charge anyone for the clothing they receive.
Charlotte Rescue Mission (704) 334-4635
FOOD
The Greater Carolinas Red Cross makes food referrals for our local disaster victims to Loaves and Fishes, which receives a significant amount of their food items from Second Harvest Food Bank. However, donated food items are collected locally by Second Harvest Food Bank, another local partner agency of ours. Donors who want to provide food should contact Second Harvest Food Bank.
Second Harvest Food Bank (704) 376-1785
STUFFED ANIMALS/TOYS
In general, stuffed animals and other toys which the Red Cross Disaster Action Teams distribute to local children displaced by disaster are all shipped by American Red Cross National Headquarters through a partnership with a toy manufacturer/distributor. Another agency in the area that may take such items is:
Goodwill Industries (704) 372-3434
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
The Red Cross may accept donations of medical equipment or supplies if the product meets a need of a Red Cross relief operation or program. The Red Cross follows guidelines established by the World Health Organization. All donated medications must be at least one-year away from their expiration date. Medications that have been issued to patients but that have not been used, and free samples provided to health care professionals, cannot be accepted for donation as their quality cannot be guaranteed. In addition, returned drugs are very difficult to manage at the receiving end because of packaging issues and the small quantities involved.
Thank you for your consideration. For more information contact John Luebke at 704-347-8352 or .
Shop Red Cross
