A recent article in the Fresno Bee took a look at what happened to some social service organization's fund raising in the aftermath of the Southern California fires. The outpouring of support was directed at an isolated incident where there indeed was great need for everything from baby formula to clothing. However, the article asks the question, "What about the rest of the year?" It is a solid thought to consider.
We were all generous in a time of great need, but what about in everyday circumstances. Some agencies go days or weeks before they respond to a family burned out of a home, and they need steady income to maintain their daily operations. Do disasters actually put social service organizations in peril? If everyone gave a restricted gift, who would pay for the phone lines, or health insurance, or salary for the employees. It is a fact of life in this field of work and with new technology we can help support disaster relief from 1/2 way around the world.Critical to survival is helping the public understand that without the daily operating budget there will be no way to administer those restricted gifts.