Disaster Relief Serving Survivors Council’s Overview of Disaster Relief Administration Where and when called upon, Goodwill organizations that comprise the Council of California Goodwill Industries are proud to partner with disaster relief organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and others to assist and serve disaster victims. We firmly believe that disaster relief should be delivered expeditiously and in an organized manner to optimize the preservation of human life and minimize pain and suffering. Furthermore, disaster victims should be treated with dignity, compassion and respect as they cope with trauma, assess their losses and seek to rebuild their lives. click here to read more October 24, 2007 Southern California Wildfires Press Release (Goodwill Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County -- GoodwillSolac) ”While Goodwill is not a relief organization, we realize many individuals will wish to contribute used clothing and / or household items to help those who have been affected by these wildfires,” said Janet McCarthy-Wilson, President and CEO of GoodwillSolac. Goods donations can be made at any of GoodwillSolac’s 15 retail stores and 8 attended donation centers throughout the City of Long Beach and the cities of southern Los Angeles County (south of Rosecrans Ave). click here to read more October 24, 2007 Southern California Wildfires Press Release (Goodwill Southern California -- GSC) Goodwill Southern California is now partnering with the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles to accept clothing and household donations to assist victims of the recent wildfires. While Goodwill is not a relief organization, many individuals may wish to contribute used clothing and / or household items to help those who have been affected by this recent tragedy.  The value of your donation will translate into a free voucher at any one of our GSC retail locations for fire victims. click here to read more October 25, 2007 Goodwill of Orange County Assists Southern California Fire Victims Santa Ana, CA -- Goodwill of Orange County is reaching out to Southern California Fire Victims through a partnership with the American Red Cross and Mariners Church (Irvine, CA). “Although Goodwill is not a relief organization, we find it imperative to assist in any way possible” says Dan Rogers, president & CEO. Goodwill is providing the American Red Cross with $5,000 worth of Goodwill Store vouchers for them to distribute to local victims in need.  click here to read more FEMA General Guidelines for Helping Survivors of Natural Disasters The compassion and generosity of the American people is never more evident than after a disaster.  People want to help. Here are some general guidelines on helping  others after a disaster: Give a check or money order to a recognized disaster relief  organization. These groups are organized to process checks, purchase what is needed, and get it to the people who need it most. Officials said that cash donations allow voluntary organizations to both obtain goods and services locally and for some to issue direct financial assistance to victims so they can meet their needs. click here to read more October 26, 2007 Goodwill of San Diego County Moves Forward as Wildfires Continue Burning While President George W. Bush visited San Diego on October 25 to survey the damage caused by wildfires, Goodwill Industries of San Diego County provided transportation services to both the city and county and some bulk and corporate donors, such as Wal-Mart.  Fires are still active, but many rresidents have been allowed back into their homes. click here to read more October 30, 2007 Memorandum of Understanding with Red Cross Goodwill Southern California (GSC) and American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles (ARCGLA) agree to partner in the event of a major disaster to meet the needs of disaster clients by maximizing the use of existing resources and networks in their respective territories.  In the event of a major disaster, there are two benchmarks that would activate this agreement. First would be a disaster invloving 25 persons or more.  Secound would be if there is significant media attention and subsequent public response concerning the disaster. click here to read more

ONLINE  DISASTER RESOURCES ----------------- click here to visit the American Red Cross click here to visit the Salvation Army click here to visit FEMA click here to visit Goodwill Industries International click here to visit Give.org