Winter Storm Relief: How to Support Neighbors in Need

When temperatures plummet and power grids fail, acts of kindness can keep communities warm. Here’s how you can make a difference when winter storms hit hard.

Winter Storms Disrupt Lives Across the U.S.

As powerful winter weather affects many U.S. states, millions of people are facing heavy snow and ice, widespread disruptions to daily life, and prolonged periods of dangerously low temperatures.

For the lucky among us, this may offer a chance to ski across Manhattan, watch kids enjoy an unexpected day off from school, or safely marvel at images of snow accumulating in unusual places and quantities.

At the same time, news reports indicate that more than 800,000 people remain without power in extreme cold, at least 18 deaths have been attributed to the storm, and hundreds of car crashes have been reported.

How to Help During a Winter Emergency

If you are among the fortunate and looking for ways to show solidarity and provide winter storm relief through charitable giving, here are a few ways you can make a difference:

• Support Charities Offering Refuge: With power outages and dangerous weather conditions, BBB Accredited Charities like American Red Cross and Salvation Army are providing shelter and warmth to support vulnerable neighbors.
• Support Animals in Need: As warned by BBB Accredited Charity American Humane, extreme cold can threaten pets and other animals. Consider supporting local animal shelters or national organizations working to keep animals safe during severe weather.
• Give Money Rather than Goods: Monetary donations are often the fastest and most effective way to help, giving charities the flexibility to direct resources where they are needed most.
• Give to Trustworthy Charities: Visit Give.org to see if the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity). If a BBB charity report is not available on a shelter, review the organization’s website for additional details about its services, needs, and achievements.

Local and National Ways to Show Compassion

Extreme weather events like this one offer an opportunity to build community by caring for neighbors and others in the storm’s path. Winter storm relief can take the form of checking on neighbors, clearing sidewalks, or sharing a warm drink or meal are meaningful ways to help those close to you. Supporting trustworthy organizations with broader reach is another powerful way to make a difference.