Helping Others During A Trying Time
Author: Keith Huggett
Between fires, floods, hurricanes and tornados, since 2005 the United States has been wracked over and over by Mother Nature. First it was Katrina, then Rita came rushing in hot on Katrina's heels to decimate Louisiana. In 2007, wildfires burned their way across Southern California, destroying 1500 homes and over 500,000 acres of land. In 2008, Hurricane Ike blew through Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, leaving a wake of damage estimated to be around $19 billion. In 2011, 358 tornados spread throughout 21 states from Texas to New York from April 25 through April 28. This outbreak was the costliest tornado outbreak and one of the costliest natural disasters in United States history, with a total of $11 billion in damages. 2012 brought us Hurricane Sandy. Hurricane Sandy affected 24 states, including the entire eastern seaboard from Florida to Maine and west across to Michigan and Wisconsin, with particularly severe damage in New Jersey and New York. Damage in the US is estimated at over $71 billion. Now, in 2013, we have the tornados that struck Oklahoma wreaking massive devastation, and hurricane season not yet upon us.
With FEMA and the American Red Cross hard at work setting up shelters for the displaced families in Oklahoma one might feel inclined to make a charitable donation to one of the organizations that helps out in times like these. For a list of major nonprofits that provide assistance to communities impacted by disaster, visit the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster website. By doing a "good turn" as the Girl Scouts say, a good turn is brought back to you. By making a charitable donation, you get a tax deduction.
- The American Red Cross of Oklahoma City offers several ways to help, online or by phone. Sending a text to 90999 with the message REDCROSS will result in a $10 donation.
- The Red Cross also has a "Safe and Well" service that allows survivors to register themselves online and lets family members check on the status of loved ones.
Think of those people in Oklahoma, currently taking stock of their lives. Natural disasters can occur anywhere. Are you prepared should a disaster occur where you live. Here in California it could be a fire or an earthquake. Do you have a plan in place? http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan has helpful information for making an emergency preparedness plan.
The Tax Office, Inc, is not affiliated with FEMA or the Red Cross or any donation sites. We suggest that you investigate any site before you make a donation to be certain it is an authentic charity. If you have any questions regarding making a donation, please contact us. We would be happy to answer any question you might have. We can also be reached on Twitter at #plan4tax.
Our condolences and best wishes go to the residents of Moore, Oklahoma.
