Residents in and around the Burns area experienced historic flooding recently. Oregon Department of Emergency Management is thankful for the outpouring of support from individuals who want to help.

FINANCIAL GIFTS ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO HELP

• Financial support to voluntary agencies is the most efficient and flexible way to help those impacted.
• Cash donations allow organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when and where it’s needed—without delay.
• Unsolicited food and clothing donations slow the aid and recovery process, as organizations are left sorting and disposing of unusable items instead of providing support to survivors.
• To make a financial gift visit redcross.org/cascades or go to https://www.orvoad.org/current-members/ for a list of trusted organizations.
• You can also check an organization’s GuideStar rating to see how they rank among their peers and ensure they are a reputable organization.
• Be careful around donating to individual fundraiser accounts like GoFundMe. GoFundMe has some tips and best practices to avoid common scams and to protect yourself.
• The Oregon Department of Financial Regulation also has some guidance to protect yourself from fraud and exploitation, including for those needing to hire contractors for repair work.

VOLUNTEERING

• Please do not respond by self-deploying yourself to the disaster area. The arrival of uncoordinated volunteers can interfere with response efforts and create safety issues.
• Volunteers will be needed most during the recovery phase—your help will be vital, but timing and coordination are key.
• To register your interest in volunteering, contact the Harney Hub by calling 541-573-6024. You may also volunteer with the American Red Cross Cascades Region through their volunteer portal at redcross.org/volunteer.
• Local organizations will provide training and placement as needs are identified.

MATERIAL DONATIONS (CLOTHING, FOOD, HYGIENE ITEMS, ETC.)

• Unsolicited in-kind donations, while generous, can overwhelm local resources and logistics systems.
• Only donate items that are specifically requested by officials. Items not needed may go to waste and slow down relief efforts.
• If you have already collected goods but cannot find an agency in need, consider donating them to a local charitable organization.
• For local coordination of approved donations, contact Burns Christian Church, which is working with the American Red Cross.
• Call Melissa Albertson, Donation Coordinator – 541-573-7176 for more information.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

• Host a fundraiser, donation drive, or community event to raise funds for voluntary organizations actively supporting the flood response.
• Before taking action, check local official websites and social media channels for real-time updates on what’s needed.
• Financial contributions remain the fastest and most impactful way to help flood survivors recover.