As Hurricanes Helene & Milton Devastate
In the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene and with Hurricane Milton about to make landfall as of the date of this writing (10/9/24), Post and Auxiliary members across the country are trying to figure out how they can help. Thus far, they have been stepping up to aid those affected by Hurricane Helene, especially in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia, where the collective death toll has reached more than 230 people as of October 9, making it one of the deadliest in documented U.S. history, and as of the writing of this E-Newsletter, the collective fear of experts and citizens alike is that Hurricane Milton will prove just as, or even more, destructive.
Goods like nonperishable food items, pop-top canned goods, trash bags, baby items, toilet paper, shoes, blankets, pet food, disinfecting wipes, feminine hygiene products, toiletries and other necessities have already been dropped off in droves at local VFW Posts, churches, fire stations and schools, all headed for those in the aforementioned states who need them most or held until it is possible to assess the damage from Milton, as recovery efforts are still in effect for missing persons and with the understanding it will likely take years to rebuild.
It remains most helpful, though, to donate money through legitimate organizations like the VFW Foundation, which allow for the aid needed in the hardest hit-areas to be most quickly and efficiently distributed.
“100% of the donation goes toward disaster relief,” clarified Marc Garduno, the VFW’s National Quartermaster General when asked for specifics about giving through the organization. All relief donations go into a Restricted Fund and cannot be used for other means. Already, the VFW is pushing out their initial support package of $100,000 and, as of 10/9/24, they have received $74,880.40 in donations (including those sent in the form of checks and those submitted online).
HOW DOES THE VFW RELIEF FUND WORK?
Garduno explains, “Disaster Relief Funds are provided to Departments for disbursement according to their process but are intended to help veterans, members (and) their families with funds to acquire necessities following a disaster and to help Posts affected by disasters with the recovery process. Because of the enormous degree of impact from Hurricane Helene, we’re allowing Departments also use some of the funds to aid with purchasing of goods and equipment to assist their communities, provided the full accounting process contains receipts for those goods.” The VFW cannot disperse any funds without a request from the State (Department) Commander and Disaster Declaration from the President (of the United States) or state Governor after initial assessments have been performed.
While we understand the desire to get money to those in need quickly, we urge members to take caution when giving through groups or individuals who may not be properly vetted, like sending money to a Go Fund Me if you do not personally know the recipients and the people sponsoring the fundraiser. Donating to us at National Headquarters (through the VFW Disaster Relief Fund) allow the funds to be dispatched quickly and efficiently to serve where and when they’re needed most.
The VFW accepts disaster relief donations whether they are made out to the VFW or the VFW Foundation; all go into the Disaster Relief Fund, but they focus on going through the Foundation “because the general public and corporations are typically more familiar and comfortable donating through a 501(c)3 versus a (c)19.”
You can do so by clicking this link.
WHAT IF I PREFER TO DONATE GOODS?
Many Posts and Auxiliaries across the country have been collecting and transporting these necessities and will continue to do so. When deciding what to give, look to new, unopened supplies, boxed and canned food that is not expired and supplies in good condition. Other needed items include baby bottles (formula is being donated, but bottles much less so), diapers (including for older children and adults), items to entertain children (toys, puzzles, coloring books, etc.), manual can openers, first aid supplies, feminine hygiene products, batteries and pet food.
“Folks wanting to send material goods to (North Carolina and Tennessee) should remember this disaster occurred in the mountains where temperatures are rapidly decreasing,” notes Garduno, who has just returned from North Carolina. “Warm clothing and other cold weather goods may be a good idea at this point.”
If your Auxiliary has been collecting diapers and/or baby wipes for National President Brenda Bryant’s special project Operation Bottom Cover, the giving of these items to Hurricane Helene relief efforts or Hurricane Milton relief efforts through VFW Posts and Auxiliaries in affected states would be counted toward her special project when reporting at the end of the Program Year.