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Questions and Answers There has just been a major natural disaster! What can I do? The BEST thing you can do immediately following a natural disaster is to donate money. AmeriCares mission is to provide immediate response to emergency medical needs. This means after a natural disaster we fly in medicines and medical equipment as fast as possible for as long as we are needed. back to top May I collect clothing, food, water or toys after a natural disaster? No. AmeriCares CANNOT accept clothing, food, water or toys after a natural disaster. The most efficient and effective form of donation during a disaster is money. Some of our long-term humanitarian relief partners are able to accept product donations that can be included on regular shipments leaving the AmeriCares warehouse. For more information on what to collect and where it can go, please click here and see “Collecting Fun Stuff." back to top OK! I read the section on “Collecting Fun Stuff” and I am interested in organizing a product collection. How do I begin? Thanks for your interest and enthusiasm! The first thing you should do is fill out and return a Fundraising Agreement Form to let us know you are interested in helping. back to top Does AmeriCares get permission from my school, house of worship or community to participate in a product or fundraising event? No. If you are interested in helping AmeriCares by collecting product or by raising funds, it is YOUR responsibility to get permission first! Get permission from the appropriate person at the place where you plan on holding your product drive or fundraiser. Be sure to ask your parents for permission too! And please remember: NO door-to-door soliciting or telephone calls to people you do not know. back to top Does AmeriCares have material for use in promoting a collection? Yes. You can get permission to use the AmeriCares logo once the fundraising agreement form is filled out and returned. You may also create your own materials, tailored to your collection or drive. back to top Is there a deadline for sending in product donations? There is no deadline. Product donations are accepted throughout the year. All donations can be sent to: AmeriCares Does AmeriCares pay for my donation to get to the warehouse in Stamford? No. YOU are responsible for sending donations to our warehouse in Stamford, CT. (See above for the shipping address.) From there, AmeriCares will ship them to our international partners that work with children. back to top Instead of collecting product, I would like to send a monetary donation. May I? Of course! Your generosity is greatly appreciated. You might want to consider organizing a fundraiser in your community. For more information and ideas please contact AmeriCares at 1-800-486-HELP (4357) or click on DONATE NOW for instructions on how to contribute monetarily. back to top I would like to donate items that do not show up on any of your lists. May I? The suggested product donations are items that our international partners have requested and have proved to be popular with the children that they serve. People naturally want to add more and the thought is appreciated, but please stick to the approved list of items. back to top No. Please be sure that all items are new. We ask this because custom regulations require that all products be new and the fact that all children appreciate receiving the same quality product. It also ensures that every child will receive items that are of the same quality. back to top May I send a letter or card to the children who will eventually receive my donation? Sure! The children will be thrilled to receive a nice note or pretty picture that you made, but they might not be able to afford a stamp to send the letter back. You will receive a separate thank you letter from AmeriCares — remember to send us your return address ! back to top Will a representative from AmeriCares visit us to say thank you or pick up a check? AmeriCares headquarters is located in Stamford, Connecticut, and we don't have chapters around the country. If your school or place of worship is within 30 minutes of AmeriCares headquarters, every attempt will be made to accommodate your request. We hope you will understand if a rep cannot make it to say thank you in person. back to top I am celebrating a special event in my life (birthday, religious ceremony) and would like to have donations made to AmeriCares instead of gifts to me. Is this OK? Yes. Your offer is an excellent example to others who are looking for creative ways to be compassionate. Please call Tara Whalen at 800-486-HELP (4357) to discuss your ideas and special event. back to top |
