In-kind donations are more tangible, specific, and often the most economical way to give. Yet because there is no formal mechanism to ensure they are appropriate and productive, unsolicited in-kind donations pose a challenge in disaster response.
Full article: IEEE.org
Synopsis:
The study “Transforming in-kind giving in disaster response: A case for on-line donation registry with retailers” by authors; Md. Moinul Islam; John Vande Vate; John Heggestuen; Alex Nordenson; Katherine Dolan delves into the persisting issue of the "second disaster" caused by unsolicited in-kind donations in disaster relief. Traditionally, NGOs have urged donors to contribute cash to alleviate the challenges associated with unsolicited donations. However, the "cash only" approach lacks the emotional appeal for donors, and the burden of unsolicited donations continues to hinder NGO relief efforts. In-kind donations, being tangible and cost-effective, present a viable alternative. Yet, the absence of a formal mechanism to ensure appropriateness and productivity makes unsolicited in-kind donations a challenge in disaster response.
The paper proposes a solution: establishing an online donation registry in collaboration with national retailers. This system allows NGOs to solicit targeted in-kind donations promptly. The success of this approach was demonstrated during the Superstorm Sandy response in 2012 when a New York-based group repurposed Amazon's wedding registry to collect over 35,000 needed items within the first few weeks after the storm.
The article critically examines the factors contributing to the "second disaster," details the successful implementation of the online registry during the Superstorm Sandy response, and compares this registry with donation portals like the Aidmatrix national donation portal. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing such a registry on a national scale.
By highlighting the quote, "In-kind donations are more tangible, specific, and often the most economical way to give. Yet because there is no formal mechanism to ensure they are appropriate and productive, unsolicited in-kind donations pose a challenge in disaster response," the paper underscores the crucial issue at hand and advocates for a systematic approach to in-kind donations through online donation registries with retailers. Throughout the article, the authors provide valuable insights and practical solutions to transform in-kind giving in disaster response.
Implications for the Future
As the challenges of unsolicited in-kind donations persist in disaster response, innovative solutions become crucial. The I Donate My Way platform stands out as a promising remedy to the "second disaster" problem discussed in the article. By providing a structured and efficient online donation registry, this platform allows donors to contribute tangible and specific items in a targeted manner. NGOs, in collaboration with national retailers, can leverage the platform to solicit precisely what is needed for disaster relief.
The success of similar approaches, as showcased during the Superstorm Sandy response, demonstrates the potential for a nationwide implementation. I Donate My Way, with its focus on transparency, efficiency, and targeted giving, aligns with the article's vision of transforming in-kind giving in disaster response. This platform not only mitigates the challenges posed by unsolicited donations but also ensures that the goodwill of donors translates into meaningful and timely assistance during critical times.
Comments