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Sandy Direct Relief
updated: Nov 02, 2012, 12:22 PM

By Edhat Subscriber

Does any one know if Santa Barbara's Direct Relief is helping hurricane Sandy victims? I want to make a small donation and it would be nice to support our local non-profit at the same time. Thanks!

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 338450P	2012-11-02 12:28 PM
Absolutely - yes they are. They had a piece about it on KEYT last night.
COMMENT 338463	2012-11-02 12:51 PM
I work for Direct Relief, and yes, we have been responding since Hurricane Sandy first hit Haiti. You can follow our updates on our website www.directrelief.org
SBMKR	2012-11-02 01:39 PM
Yes! I donated yesterday.
COMMENT 338512P	2012-11-02 02:43 PM
Duh I should have just gone to website. Thanks. I hope it inspires others to donate to Direct Relief. What people are having to face and deal with because of this hurricane is just unfathomable. It's like a movie, you can't believe the images you're seeing are real! Thanks for what you do Direct Relief!
AUNTIE S.	2012-11-02 05:12 PM
Yes, my favorite charity is responding. Big article in the News-Press (for you non-subscribers)
COMMENT 338589P	2012-11-02 05:35 PM
I like Direct Relief but in a situation like this their pallets of medical supplies are not the fix people need. If we were Haiti sure but we are not they need food, clothes, etc and giving to Red Cross, Salvation Army, or local relief funds in NY/NJ will have a bigger impact than a donation to DRI in this disaster.
COMMENT 338599P	2012-11-02 06:27 PM
DRI person please respond re 589P's comment? I'd presume the "pallets" would be specific to the disaster type and location. They wouldn't want to send unneeded items that would have better use elsewhere. Yay DRI!
COMMENT 338606	2012-11-02 07:16 PM
To 589P, you're right we don't do everything and there are many needs, but what we do (and have done for nearly 65 years), we do well. We are the only nonprofit in the U.S. licensed to distribute medicines in all 50 states, and pharmaceuticals and medical supplies are extremely important in times like this. Disasters can be extremely disruptive for those with chronic health conditions. Some of our partners have said they have patients who can't get insulin and we are helping them replenish their stock so their patients can stay healthy. We agree that local programs are best, which is why we support nonprofit clinics and health centers working in their local communities, run by local staff. And, as 599P mentioned, all of our pallets shipped are requested from our partners, we do not send unneeded items. Every type of organization has a role in disaster relief and ours is to help improve the health and lives of those in need.
COMMENT 338642P	2012-11-03 06:58 AM
I think the Red Cross is the best place for a donation right now. Friends back East say the Red Cross is a presence in all communities that need help.
COMMENT 338648P	2012-11-03 07:16 AM
I think DRI is a fantastic organization and I donate to them. That said, The American Red Cross is set up to help with immediate needs such as temporary shelters, food, and clothing, but not long term rebuilding. So, keep in mind that FEMA, the often discussed federal assistance agency is the one which helps rebuild homes and towns, not the Red Cross. Remember that when you vote people turn to FEMA to help them get their homes and towns rebuilt.
ARCHIE	2012-11-03 09:51 AM
I just made out my check to DRI last night. I had to do something after seeing the agony people are going through on Staten Island. Not good for your karma to do nothing.
ELAZ	2012-11-03 10:58 AM
love Direct Relief and am proud that such a world class non-profit originated here and is part of our community. we made a donation last night! Thank you to everyone at Direct Relief and to all of the donors! Individually we can do so little.. but together, with intelligent responsible oversight...we can do so much!
COMMENT 338717	2012-11-03 11:07 AM
You can donate easily via text on a mobile phone: Text "RELIEF" to 27722 for Hurricane Sandy donations through Direct Relief International. They have been sending medicines and toiletries since day one. When you give to them, you know most of your money is going to supplies and not to overhead. We are lucky to have this organization in SB.
COMMENT 338801	2012-11-03 03:46 PM
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