Essentials Families Can Donate To Tropical Storm Kristine Victims
With Tropical Storm Kristine forcing areas into a state of calamity, here are some items families can donate to help them get their lives back on track.
While prayers are some of the few things families can offer, donations may go a long way. Those affected by Tropical Storm Kristine have lost more than just their homes; some have lost their livelihood, especially farmers and public transport providers. Before we start gathering things to donate or contribute to the Tropical Storm Kristine efforts, here are some essentials we know the affected families might need:
1. Baby Formula or Baby Food
Whether moms are breastfeeding or not, baby formula is a welcome sight. Stress can cut a nursing mom’s supply and babies can’t eat the ready-to-eat meals unless it’s turned into mush. With no blender or food processor, baby formula is the best way to go. Although some doctors would advocate “breast is best,” in a state of calamity — a lot of us would agree that “fed is best” at least in the meantime.
Although baby formula is expensive (ranging from PHP3000 to PHP5000 per can), e-wallets have made it possible to receive donations so one person can go buy it.
2. Old baby clothes
We may have some sentimental attachments, but it’s just as heartbreaking to see a lot of babies affected by the typhoon with virtually nothing to their names. The clothes on their backs are the only thing they have, and making them wear wet clothes is just a sickness waiting to happen. For moms who have closed shop, maybe it’s time we gave our kids’ old baby clothes to another mom who’s still making memories with their new little ones.
3. Hygiene products
Once the typhoon passes, the disease is part of the aftermath. Leptospirosis (borne from sewer rodents), Influenza, viral and bacterial Pneumonia, possibly COVID-19, and even stomach flu — all these can hit if families can’t stay clean. A box of anti-bacterial soap, shampoo, feminine hygiene wash, tissue, and even alcohol will do the trick to make sure these families can fight off at least the basic infections.
4. Off-the-counter meds and vitamins
While we can’t give them specific ones that require prescriptions, we can give some of the generic ones like paracetamol (the one for fevers and headaches) and loperamide (some call it Imodium). At least these can mitigate and manage some of the symptoms until a real doctor comes by to give a more targeted treatment.
For those who aren’t sick, all the more they’ll need Vitamin C. The former is essential for immune system building which can also get quickly used up in a state of stress.
5. If clothes: anything made with moisture-wicking material
Although we want to declutter and donate to the Tropical Storm Kristine victims, do check if the clothes we’re giving away are made of moisture-wicking material. That way, they’ll have something to wear every day because it dries quickly! This is the common material in sportswear, designed to make any sports shirt even a lifestyle piece. Polyester and nylon are allegedly the most moisture-wicking and it usually says on the shirt’s tag.
6. Vegetables that can be eaten raw
Not all vegetables can be eaten raw but some like lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, and even carrots can at least be consumed immediately. In a state of calamity, most places won’t have any electricity or fire to cook their food so anything that can either be eaten raw or ready to eat is good. Canned food has a lot of sodium which can lead to kidney and liver problems in the long run.
7. School supplies
In a state of emergency, no one thinks to drag their school bag with them. But with the declining education rate, the least we can provide is school materials to encourage kids to continue learning or practicing at home amidst the aftermath of calamity. Pencils, notebooks, old books, notebooks with notes in them (especially if you have nice handwriting) are quite helpful for kids who will be struggling to catch up after the suspension due to Tropical Storm Kristine.
8. Pet Food
Our pets are the usual casualties in the storm and pet shelters have been knocking on doors for donations. It can be in kind so a whole bag of dry kibble can do. Studies have also shown that both dogs and cats are receptive to squash so that’s an ideal donation too!
Beyond canned goods and money
We all want to help but the question is how? Some of us fear donating, believing it won’t each those who need it. But there are trustworthy organizations that have already scrambled together for relief operations in the affected areas. Especially if we’ve been their patrons for so long, helping them in their efforts is one way to assure that our donations reach the right people.
Tropical Storm Kristine has already taken lives — both in the literal and metaphorical sense. The least we can do is help those who survived the chaos it left behind get back on their feet.
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