How to Help
In times of disaster, there are many ways to help. Below is some information you may find useful as you decide if and how to contribute. There are many people and organizations involved in the relief effort and while not all of them are listed here, we hope it will be a helpful resource and give you an idea of where to start.
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MEMA
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To find out the best ways to help and what is most needed, please visit the following page of the Maine Emergency Management Agency’s website. http://www.maine.gov/mema.help or call the Maine Emergency Management Agency at (207)-624-4400
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VOAD
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For a list of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) please visit the National VOAD website
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FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
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Financial contributions are urgently needed and are preferred by most relief organizations to material donations because they give each group the flexibility to purchase what is most needed, and because it can be transferred electronically rather than having to be shipped. There are many organizations collecting donations to assist evacuees. For a list of some of these organizations you can visit the FEMA website.
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GIVING BLOOD
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In times of emergency, one of the most important things a person can do is to donate blood. To find the blood drive location nearest to you, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.
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VOLUNTEERING YOUR TIME
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The Red Cross is currently holding training sessions for individuals who would like to assist in disaster relief efforts. To contact your local Red Cross Chapter go to www.redcross.org or view the Maine listings.
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TO DONATE GOODS
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Many organizations are collecting goods and materials to provide to evacuees. The In-Kind Donations Phone Bank 1-800-7-IN-KIND (1-800-746-5463) can provide more information.
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SIGN UP FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
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If you are a healthcare professional and would like to volunteer you should visit the Bureau of Health Registry to access their online registration form.
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HELP ANIMALS
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To help pets abandoned in the wake of Hurricane Katrina please contact the Humane Society at (318)-219-PETS or visit the Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana.
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People trying to locate missing family members in Louisiana should call 1-866-326-9393.
