<p>In the aftermath of a natural disaster, I pledge to acknowledge the humanitarian needs of people and pets in my community, and support those needs by:</p><p>### 5. Sending Funds or Crucial Supplies</p><p>The most effective way to help victims of a natural disaster or emergency is to donate to a disaster relief organization. With proper planning and such these organizations can then use the financial stimulus to help their efforts immediately and long term over the coming months and years of rebuilding. If you donate goods, first make sure that they are needed or part of a list of donatable items. Storing and sorting unnecessary or an overabundance of goods can be very costly and time consuming for relief efforts.</p><p>### 4. Volunteering to Help</p><p>There are many ways you can help volunteer for disaster relief and doing something that you are efficient in is the best way to help your community. For direct help in the most affected areas look into American Red Cross Disaster Training. For other ideas, think about helping communities in ways that deal with shelter, nutrition, and emotional support. Local nonprofits need all the help they can get in these situations and any assistance you can provide can go a long way in the rebuilding process.</p><p>### 3. Donating Blood</p><p>If you're eligible and able, giving blood is one of the best ways to help save lives following a disaster. Hospitals have historically shown an increased demand for blood after disasters and due to the short shelf life, they can't just stock up months ahead of time to alleviate the future demand. Contact the American Red Cross or local relief efforts to see if and where you can donate.</p><p>### 2. Fostering or adopting an animal</p><p>Helping foster an animal or adopting one into your home helps save two lives — the animal you are rescuing and another that the shelter now has room to care for. Make sure to notify your local adoption group that you can foster a pet — either one waiting for a home or one whose family has had to temporarily relocate.</p><p>### 1. Supporting Flights to Freedom</p><p>[Greater Good Charities](https://store.greatergood.com/collections/all/products/97044-help-people-and-pets-hit-by-extreme-weather?gg_medium=content&gg_source=trs&gg_term=5053525&gg_campaign=disaster-relief-pledge&gg_content=gtgm-link) is already sending pet food, supplies, humanitarian aid, and planning emergency Flights to Freedom to move pets that were in shelters before the storm to make room for large numbers of incoming displaced pets. You can help pets and people reeling from catastrophic disasters. We are fielding an influx in requests from those affected and we are rushing aid. Every little bit helps right now, and your gift is 100% tax deductible. Donate today. Your donation will support Greater Good Charities' disaster relief efforts and help provide relief to those affected by this storm. </p><p>Pledged by,</p>