Last night, the power came back on in our house, following an outage due to Hurricane Sandy. We were lucky to have the power back on so quickly: our power company, PECO Energy, called Sandy “the most damaging storm in company history.” Many of my friends are still without power and have been told that the outages could last for several days.
We also had little harm at our home: some flooding, water in the house, and cosmetic damage to the exterior. It was inconvenient and scary but we weathered just fine.
We are so lucky compared to those who have suffered truly devastating losses, especially at the New Jersey shore. It was surreal to watch the storm play out in real-time on Twitter and Facebook as businesses, homes, and community centers literally washed away. While I am grateful that there was not more damage, the impact of the storm is indeed significant. Estimates place the total cost of property damage and lost business at $10 billion to $20 billion.
I know that many of you, like me, want to know what you can do to help out. Giving money in times like these can be tricky since in addition to making sure your dollars are used wisely – and get where you intended for them to go – there can be tax considerations.
(As per usual, this is the part where I often get hate mail about how folks should give to charity regardless of a tax deduction. Of course, they should. And statistically, the majority of Americans do. That said, the deduction exists and it makes sense to keep the rules in mind if you want to help and claim the deduction. So with that brief disclaimer, I’m continuing on…)
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when helping out during Sandy:
- Cash is king. While you may want to send food and other items, the infrastructure may not support those donations. Many organizations have been very clear that cash (or cash equivalent) is generally preferred – but keep reading.
- Stay put. Yes, we all want to get in our cars and help – but don’t. There are already professionals and trained volunteers on the scene – and Governor Christie has asked that folks stay off the roads where possible. Your dollars are more helpful.
- Be smart. Be wary of personal solicitations on your doorstep or over the phone. Make sure that your gifts made by checks or credit card gifts are secure. If you don’t want to donate online, most organizations have alternatives; for Red Cross, you can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download a donation form as a pdf that can be mailed.
- Do your homework. Check out the credentials of a potential donee/charitable organization before you make a donation. Charity Navigator is a great site to gather information about existing charities and has a Sandy specific section. Forbes also has an article with links to sites that are collecting for Sandy. And you can always confirm charitable status through the IRS web site – remember that some organizations (like churches) may not be listed, so ask the organization for more information if you’re not sure.
- Rely on oldies but goodies. There’s nothing wrong with new charitable organizations but there is something to be said for those that have been around for a while – like the Red Cross. Brand new organizations may not have the facilities in place to offer the most effective relief.
- Remember the rules. The rules for charitable giving still apply even in situations that feel chaotic. That means that only contributions to qualified tax-exempt charitable organizations are deductible – donations to individuals don’t count. Be sure to document your gifts and get receipts.
In addition to donations of cash, what else can you do?
My go-to girl at the Shore, Jen Miller, says that she’s heard that many local fire departments are asking for Gatorade (call before you buy and send!). If you’ve heard of other specific requests, please let me know by leaving them in the comments below or message me on Facebook or Twitter.
Additionally, many blood drives were canceled as a result of the mega-storm, and donations of blood are much needed. You can’t claim a tax deduction for giving blood but it sure is a terrific way to help. Find your nearest donation center here.
Finally, I know it sounds hokey but folks who have lost their homes and memories could use a little cheer. If you’re in the market to write a handwritten note or two and send it to fire departments, schools, and churches to offer well wishes, I would think that would be most appreciated. I think we always like to hear that we’re not alone.
If you can help in any way, please do. To quote the Boss:
We take care of our own
We take care of our own
Wherever this flag’s flown
We take care of our own
