Don't send "Stuff"

Most of us respond to crises with our best intentions and our best thinking. In the case of disaster relief, however, our best intentions and best thinking can create new disasters. Please read articles here and here and here and great stuff here about the "disasters" of disaster relief from well-intentioned individuals.

That said, there is something that you can do. Fundraise.Fundraise.Fundraise: small or large donations of cash that come from your efforts are desperately needed. Don't start a new non-profit! That takes up a lot of time. Instead, do a really exciting fundraiser and direct donations to the best non-profits. As a church, we don't officially fundraise. But there is no prohibition on fundraising as individuals. Get out there. Partner with your schools for a bake sale. Be the point person for efforts.

Are you saying, "Well, what can we do?" Here are a few ideas (mostly borrowed from other locations and sorry about the formatting.)

• Add links to your blog and MySpace or Facebook pages

• Put together a yard sale

• Create a viral e-mail campaign

• Organize a concert with local musicians

• Hold an auction with items donated by a local business

• Have a bake sale

• Organize a 5K race

• Put together a charity formal, theme party and/or night out at a bar

• Hold a movie night

• Three on three tournament

• Have a dance-a-thon

• Organize a family dance night at your school

• Penny drive

Can you bake bread? repair clothing? design stationary? give a concert? Do you have a band? You can sell your services at a premium with all proceeds going to a particular charity or organization.

What great ideas do you have?