BISMARCK, N.D. - Those wishing to donate money, goods, or services to assist areas in North Dakota impacted by flooding should visit the donations management website at www.nd.gov/des/donations . This site connects people with voluntary organizations in need of donations.
Here are a few simple tips to make sure donations do the most good:
Cash is always best - Cash will allow voluntary agencies working in affected communities to buy exactly what they need while stimulating the local economy.
Verify the need before making an in-kind donation - Make sure that voluntary agencies or communities need the goods that are donated. Check North Dakota's donations management web site ( www.nd.gov/des/donations ) for a list of needs.
Do not self-deploy - Volunteer help is needed, welcomed, and valued in many communities; however, large amounts of unannounced volunteers may do more harm than good. Volunteers should contact local authorities to verify:
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o That volunteers are needed
o When volunteers are needed
o Where volunteers are needed
Disasters impact communities in different ways. Each community has diverse needs and resources and individuals in these areas have needs that the community may not be able to meet. Donations go a long way towards disaster recovery and helping communities and individuals get back on their feet.
