• Texas explosion tragedy: How to help

    Mike Stone / Reuters

    Ronald Tanner of Jonesboro, Texas carries supplies to be delivered to residents of West displaced by the massive explosion of a fertilizer plant in the town of West, near Waco, Texas April 18, 2013. Rescuers worked in cold rain on Thursday to find survivors amid the rubble of houses destroyed in a fiery explosion at a Texas fertilizer plant filled with hazardous chemical tanks.

    By Devin Coldewey, Contributing Writer, NBCNews.com

    Charity and medical organizations have been mobilizing since Wednesday night when the massive explosion of a West, Texas fertilizer facility that killed as many as 15 people and injured at least 150 more.

    While rescuers and emergency workers pick through the rubble of homes and buildings destroyed by the blast, aid organizations like the American Red Cross and Salvation Army have been providing food and shelter to the displaced and injured.

    In addition to the cost of medical care and emergency services, the recovery and rebuilding of the area surrounding the plant will take both time and money. If you would like to contribute, here are some organizations that are working to help survivors and to rebuild:

    American Red Cross of Central Texas
    The Red Cross is providing water and other immediate needs to survivors. There's a Web page here with some numbers and addresses for further information on the organization's work relating to the West explosion, as well as how to donate. You can donate to the Red Cross's efforts in general by texting REDCROSS to 90999, or visit the website to see how you can provide more localized help.

    The Salvation Army
    The Salvation Army     mobilized five emergency mobile kitchens to the Texas area to help provide displaced residents with food. The group is also distributing warm clothes and blankets to people whose homes have been destroyed. You can donate directly to the Salvation Army's efforts using this online form.

    The Blood Center of Central Texas
    With so many injured, blood will be in high demand at hospitals and emergency stations. The Blood Center helps organize blood drives. You can join one of those efforts, or support the center by donating money via a link at its donation page. The demand for blood will continue to be high over the next several weeks, so also consider making an appointment to give later in the month.

    Catholic Charities, Central Texas
    This Catholic aid organization works with the Red Cross and handles more long-term case management. Monetary donations can be made here, and the organization asks that items be donated to the local St Vincent de Paul centers.

    Scott & White Healthcare
    The non-profit health care organization, also the principal clinical research and education campus for The Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, is handling the treatment of more than two dozen of the residents injured by the explosion. Scott & White is also organizing blood drives over the next week.

    West Independent School District
    West's schools and other critical community infrastructure will likely be stressed by lack of resources over the months to come. You can donate directly to the district by filling out and mailing, or faxing in, this form (PDF).

    Limbs for Life Foundation
    Explosions like this one often result in serious limb trauma, leading to expensive rehabilitation and prosthetics. Limbs For Life helps people who need prosthetic care but can't afford it.

  • Boston bombing aftermath: How you can help

    The gentle golden retrievers are lending a "helping paw," visiting the injured victims of the Boston Marathon bombings to offer companionship, comfort and compassion.  NBC's Kerry Sanders reports.

    By Suzanne Choney, Contributing Writer, NBCNews.com

    Since Monday, both traditional and new organizations have offered help and support to those hurt physically and emotionally by the deadly blasts at the Boston Marathon.

    The American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts says it's served 5,000 meals and snacks. A new group, The One Fund, announced by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino, has been set up to get money to the families of those killed and most severely wounded.

    Three people died in the explosions: 8-year-old Martin Richard, and Krystle Marie Campbell, 29, both of Massachusetts; and Lingzi Lu, a Boston University graduate student from China, and 176 were injured.

    As reported by NBC News Wednesday, the total medical cost to help those requiring rehabilitation, additional surgeries and treatment to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder may reach or surpass $9 million.

    You can help. Here's how:

    The American Red Cross, Eastern Massachusetts
    Since Monday, the Red Cross has "provided about 500 units of blood and blood products to hospitals in the Boston area," the organization says on its website. "Blood supplies are currently sufficient to meet patient needs and people who want to give blood are strongly encouraged to schedule a donation appointment in the days and weeks ahead."

    The One Fund Boston
    The fund will act as a central repository to "receive much needed financial support," Gov. Patrick said Tuesday in a statement. "At moments like this, we are one state, one city and one people."

    Within an hour of the explosions, Mayor Menino said in a statement he had calls from business leaders and philanthropists "who, like me, were heartbroken by the impact this hideous tragedy" had on individuals and families, and wanted to do something about it.

    As of Wednesday, officials said, more than $7 million has been pledged to The One Fund by corporate partners and individuals. Individuals have contributed more than $500,000 so far.

    The John Hancock company has pledged $1 million, and there are other commitments for contributions from the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox and Bain Capital.

    On April 20, AT&T said customers who want to support One Fund can text the word BOSTON to 80108 to donate $10. The donation will be reflected on customers' monthly AT&T bill.

    The Amputee Coalition
    Members from this national organization are working with Boston hospitals that are treating patients. The coalition works regularly to raise awareness about amputees, create peer mentorship programs and has a summer program for children with limb differences. To learn more, visit the coalition's main website here.

    Challenged Athletes Foundation
    This foundation is also working with those injured Monday. The group says its mission is to help those with physical disabilities pursue "active lifestyles," and provide funding for adaptive equipment, hold clinics to build confidence and sponsor mentorship programs.

    Limbs for Life Foundation
    The Oklahoma City-based group provides prosthetic care for those who otherwise can't afford it.

    And a note of caution ...
    If you are looking to donate money, heed what Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley said Wednesday: Watch out for scammers. Potential donors, she said, need to "protect themselves from fundraising scams claiming to benefit those affected by this week's tragedy." You can read more here.

    The Federal Trade Commission also issued some guidance about donations. You can find more information here and additional guidance here.

    Additional reporting by Courtney Hazlett and Melissa Dahl 

    Related:

     

    This story was originally published on Wed Apr 17, 2013 8:44 PM EDT

  • Learn how to help with 'one simple wish'

    Tonight NBC's Anne Thompson profiled One Simple Wish, an organization that's making a difference by granting wishes to foster children. If you're interested in helping, please visit their website, www.onesimplewish.org, where potential donors can register and search a database to choose the wish they'd like to grant. 

    For more, watch the "Nightly News" story and extended interview below. 

    An organization called One Simple Wish has granted the wishes of more than 3000 foster children, providing a small piece of joy to kids still in need of a permanent family. NBC's Anne Thompson reports.

    Danielle Gletow on what inspired her to establish One Simple Wish, an organization that grants wishes for foster children.

  • Sandy's aftermath: How you can help

    Eduardo Munoz / Reuters

    Rescue workers patrol a flooded street at Hoboken in New Jersey, Oct. 30, 2012. Millions of people across the eastern United States awoke on Tuesday to scenes of destruction wrought by monster storm Sandy, which knocked out power to huge swathes of the nation's most densely populated region, swamped New York's subway system and submerged streets in Manhattan's financial district.

    Suzanne Choney, NBC News writes

    Updated Nov. 8 2012   

    AMERICAN RED CROSS
    The Red Cross is providing shelter, clothes, supplies, food and blood, as needed, for the victims of Sandy. You can donate blood, but in terms of items, you'll be doing more for those in need by donating money instead of physical goods.

    Text message: Text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. As in the case with other donations via mobile, the donation will show up on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your balance if you have a prepaid phone. You need to be 18 or older, or have parental permission, to donate this way. (If you change your mind, text the word STOP to 90999.)

    Phone: 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767); for Spanish speakers, 800-257-7575; for TDD,  800-220-4095.

    To donate blood: Visit this Red Cross Web page.

    Online: American Red Cross

    SALVATION ARMY
    The Salvation Army is providing meals and shelter. "At this point, in-kind donations, such as used clothing and used furniture, are not being accepted for hurricane relief. However, these items are vital to supporting the day-to-day work of your local Salvation Army," the organization said Tuesday in a press release.

     Text message: Text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation. To confirm the donation, respond with the word “Yes.”

    Phone: 800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2769)

    Online: Salvation Army; here's the organization's New Jersey site, and its Greater New York site.

    HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
    Many pet owners were able to take their pets with them, but for those who were not, the Humane Society's Animal Rescue Team is assembling staff and equipment to help rescue pets in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

    Online: Humane Society of the United States

    Phone: 301-258-8276

    AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION
    The association is helping animals that may need rescue or shelter.

    Text message: Text the word HUMANE to 80888 to donate $10.

    Phone: 866-242-1877.

    Online: The AHA's website for donating is here.

    HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
    Habitat, an international organization, helps those in need rebuild their homes after disaster strikes.

    Phone: If you want to make a donation, you can call Habitat's Partner Service Center at 800-HABITAT (422-4828). Press "0" when prompted and representatives will take your donation information over the phone.

    Online: This is Habitat for Humanity's main website, and this is the link for donating to Sandy victims.

    COMMUNITY FOODBANK OF NEW JERSEY
    This group coordinates efforts with the state's Office of Emergency Management, as well as with state and local nonprofit organizations.

    Online: Community FoodBank of New Jersey

    Phone: (908) 355- FOOD (3663), ext. 243.

    FEEDING AMERICA
    The organization will deliver food, water and supplies to communities in need through its network of food banks and the agencies they serve.

    Phone: 800-910-5524

    Online: This is Feeding America's main website.

    CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA
    Catholic Charities provides emergency food, shelter, direct financial assistance, counseling, and support "regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds."

    Online: More information here; main website here.

    Phone: 800-919-9338 

    AMERICARES
    This group provides emergency medicine and supplies. Donations are accepted on its accepts donations on its website.

    Phone: 800-486-4357.

    NEW YORK CARES
    This local NYC program is "the city's largest volunteer organization, running volunteer programs for 1,300 nonprofits, city agencies and public schools." It is recruiting volunteers to help with Sandy relief efforts, and is also raising money.

    Online: New York Cares; donation page here.

    Phone: 212-228-5000

    You can also approach the city government directly to volunteer, by emailing nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov with your name, email address and borough.

    NYC MAYOR'S FUND
    The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City charity supports "impactful public programs serving some of the City's greatest needs."

    Online: The Mayor's Fund website is here.

    DIRECT RELIEF INTERNATIONAL
    The organization provides medicine and supplies to partner health centers and clinics.

    Text message: Text the word RELIEF to 27722 to give $10.

    Phone: 805-964-4767.

    Online: Direct Relief International is the main website; go here to donate online.

    WORLD VISION
    Describing itself as "a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families" and communities, World Vision provides flood clean-up kits, hygiene kits, blanket and food kits.

    Text message: Text the word GIVEUSA to 777444 to donate $10.

    Phone: 888-511-6443.

    Online: For World Vision's Hurricane Sandy relief, click here.

    UNITED METHODIST COMMITTEE ON RELIEF
    Provides immediate relief, assistance with cleanup and rebuilding, pastoral counseling and support for children and youth who have been through trauma.

    Text message: Text the word RESPONSE to 80888 to give a $10 donation.

    Phone: 800-554-8583

    Online: United Methodist Committee on Relief

    JEWISH FEDERATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA
    The Jewish Federations of North America Hurricane Relief Fund will contribute to recovery and rebuilding.

    Text message: Text the word RELIEF to 51818 to pledge a donation.

    Online: The Jewish Federations of North America

    BREEZY POINT FUND RAISER
    One of the most badly damaged communities in Sandy's wake is Breezy Point, Queens. Catholic University student Matthew Petronis created this fundraising page to help his community rebuild. "I have seen the damage and can say that the place where I grew up during my childhood is almost gone," he wrote on the page, "but that is not the case for the children that are growing up now!" 

    Though smaller instant charities are not always recommended for donating (for reasons discussed below), NBC News reporters have interviewed Petronis, and verified his story.

    SAVE THE CHILDREN
    The organization has staff in New Jersey and New York to distribute baby blankets and hygiene items, and to create a "child-friendly
    environment in shelters."

    Text message: Text the word HURRICANE to 20222 to make a donation.

    Phone: 800-728-3843

    Online: Save the Children

    UNITED WAY
    In addition to a Sandy Recovery Fund, United Way helps operate the 2-1-1 national network that provides "24/7 critical, non-emergency health and human services information and connects volunteers to organizations seeking assistance." United Way spokesman Wilhelm U. Meierling says, "We’ve experienced a 40 percent increase in calls during and after the storm, but we want more people to know this resource exists."

    Text message: Text the word RECOVERY to 52000 to make a $10 donation.

    Online: United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund 

    INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE
    Sandy, of course, hit Haiti before it got to the U.S., and the IRC distributed emergency supplies — tarps, flashlights, water containers, mosquito nets — to more than 4,200 storm victims.The IRC is also working with other emergency responders to monitor makeshift camps where cholera was a problem in the past.

    Online: International Rescue Committee

    AARP FOUNDATION
    AARP Foundation has established a relief fund to support victims in the U.S. devastated by Sandy. AARP and its affiliates will match contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000. 

    Online: To donate to the relief fund, please click here.

    OPERATION USA
    Operation USA is sending emergency, shelter and cleaning supplies to areas hit by Sandy, and is helping "community health clinics restore services to best serve their communities."

    Text message: Text the word OPUSA to 50555 to make a $10 donation.

    Phone: 800-678-7255

    Online: Operation USA

     

    WHAT ELSE TO THINK ABOUT
    We'll be updating this list.

    Remember that while giving is good, beware of those out there who are not good and are trying to trick you by taking your money. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene last year, the Federal Trade Commission's caution still holds true: "Scammers may try to take advantage of a disaster, and so consumers should be wary of urgent appeals for charitable donations, and watch out for fraudulent home repair schemes after a storm."

    You can read more about avoiding home repair rip-offs and charity fraud from the FTC.

    Also, the FBI has counseled on its Facebook page "to beware of fraudulent emails and websites claiming to conduct charitable relief efforts. Disasters prompt individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization or a good cause," and suggests reading "Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes" to learn more about avoiding online fraud.

     

  • Elephant population dwindles as demand for ivory grows; how to foster a baby elephant

    A poaching resurgence has pushed up the price of ivory, resulting in more elephant carnage. But some of the baby elephants orphaned in the wake of such violence will survive -- thanks to the dedication of naturalist Daphne Sheldrick. NBC's Chelsea Clinton reports.

    On Wednesday "Nightly News" aired a report from special correspondent Chelsea Clinton featuring naturalist Daphne Sheldrick (above), who has been working for decades to preserve Kenya's wildlife. The final piece in Clinton's two-part series (below) aired Thursday, and it explains how baby elephants orphaned by poachers are being rescued and raised.

    Conservationist Daphne Sheldrick set up the world's only elephant orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya 30 years ago. It's a labor of love with Sheldrick, along with the elephant keepers, watching over the big babies around the clock. NBC's Chelsea Clinton reports.

    Below, find out how to help Sheldrick's charity, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and why ivory remains such a precious commodity. 

    Daphne Sheldrick writes:

    With the illegal ivory priced as it is today, driven by the demand in the Far East (particularly China), saving the African elephant is now the responsibility of the international community through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). It is beyond the capability of the elephant range states to control the poaching driven by this demand. 

    The sale of all ivory, be it legal or illegal, must be banned totally with those countries that destroy their ivory stockpiles compensated, and those that don't, punished. 

    Daphne Sheldrick, who runs the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and NBC News special correspondent Chelsea Clinton discuss the care taken to make orphaned elephants comfortable and trusting enough to take a bottle of nutrition.

    The elephant is an iconic species sharing with us humans many of the same emotions -- the same sense of family and the same sense of death. To kill such an animal for a trinket made from its tooth is an abomination that should be punished severely, particularly in this, the 21st century, when humankind should have at least understood that all species benefit the Earth as a whole and that the Earth does not exist solely for us humans, but is home to many other species who have evolved along with it, and are necessary to its well-being. 

    People must persuade political representatives who will be making such decisions at CITES to vote to save the elephants rather than being influenced by trade.

    Slideshow: Elephant orphans thrive at Kenyan orphanage

    Daphne Sheldrick has worked tirelessly to hand-rear more than 130 orphaned elephants at the Nairobi National Park, eventually helping them integrate back into the wild. She has also raised more than a dozen black rhinos.

    Launch slideshow

    From the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust:

    Established 35 years ago by Dame Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her late husband David Sheldrick, the founder warden of Kenya’s giant Tsavo National Park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) is dedicated to the protection and conservation of wildlife and habitats in Kenya.  The charity is best known for its pioneering work with orphaned elephants. Daphne Sheldrick has been living alongside elephants for 50 years and she was the first person to successfully hand-rear a milk-dependent newborn elephant. 

    NBC Special Correspondent Chelsea Clinton spoke with  head elephant keeper Edwin Lusichi and Daphne Sheldrick of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust about the care given to traumatized elephant orphans.     

    Today the charity has successfully returned 91 elephant orphans to the wild, with another 53 currently reliant on their care. There are 22 baby elephants ages 2 years and under at the DSWT Nursery in Nairobi and another 31 adolescents, graduates of the Nursery, at their two reintegration centres in Tsavo East National Park.

    Increasingly the animals the DSWT is called to rescue are ivory orphans; their mothers murdered before their eyes for their tusks; while climate change, drought, a burgeoning human population and livestock place further pressure on land and elephant populations. Already in 2012, the DSWT has been called to 17 baby elephant rescues.

    Daphne Sheldrick, who runs the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, tells NBC Special Correspondent Chelsea Clinton about what makes baby elephants so unique.

    Elephants are under threat. These intelligent, gentle and social animals known as Africa’s Gardeners -- for the role they play in clearing new paths in the bush and dispersing seeds -- are being killed for their ivory at the worst levels since the 1980s. 2011 was the worst year for ivory seizures since the international ivory ban went into effect in 1989. During 2011, authorities seized more than 23 tons of ivory, which represented about 2,500 individual elephants killed. Given that customs search approximately 5 percent of shipments, it is accepted that significantly more ivory will have been successfully smuggled out of Africa. 

    Today there are around 450,000 elephants in Africa, down from 1.3 million in 1979. It is estimated by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)  that up to 38,000 elephants are killed annually for their tusks. Left unchecked this could see the population of African Elephants wiped out in under 20 years.

    Demand for ivory is rising, fueled by an increasingly affluent middle class in China and the Far East where ivory is seen as a symbol of wealth, status and power. Through the elephant orphans project, mobile veterinary units, eight mobile anti-poaching teams, and aerial surveillance and community outreach; the DSWT is working on the front lines, in the field, to protect elephants, treat and rescue victims of the ivory trade and educate local people as to the importance of protecting their wildlife heritage. 

    You can learn more about the Trust’s lifesaving conservation projects at http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

    Foster an elephant

     The elephants rescued by the DSWT are reliant upon them for up to 10 years, before they choose to return to the wild. Each elephant requires a stockade, the care of specialist keepers who stay with the orphans 24 hours a day, milk formula every three hours and additional nutrients and medicines where necessary.  You can foster a baby elephant and become part of the elephant’s extended human family, with your donation of $50 a year, contributing much-needed funds to the DSWT Orphans Project. Foster parents receive a personalized certificate, monthly email update of their elephant, photographs and more.  Visit: http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/foster

    Make a tax-deductible donation

     U.S. supporters of the DSWT’s charitable mission can choose to make a tax-deductible contribution to U.S. Friends of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a 501(c)(3) organization. Please contact infous@sheldrickwildlifetrust.org or visit https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/html/help_USA.html

  • Disaster in the Gulf: How you can help

    Links and information and how you can help

    International Bird Rescue Research Center
    The International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) lets you support the 16 members of their Oil Spill Response Team, as well as other non-profit organizations working in the region, by "donating, becoming a member or adopting a bird."

    IBRRC's blog: Documenting their work with injured birds

    National Wildlife Federation
    The National Wildlife Federation, in partnership with its colleagues in the Gulf states, is recruiting volunteers for an "extensive volunteer wildlife surveillance network."

    Click here for more information on joining the effort.

    The National Wildlife Federation is now accepting pledges via your mobile device. Text "WILDLIFE" to 20222 to donate $10 to the organization's "on-the-ground volunteer and restoration efforts."

    Seabird Sanctuary has 300 volunteers on "stand-by" to assist with the Gulf Oil Spill if it impacts Florida.

    The National Audubon Society is recruiting volunteers in the fight to save "ecologically sensitive areas." Visit their website to fill out a volunteer registration form.

    Louisiana Bucket Brigade
    The Louisiana Bucket Brigade's Oil Spill Crisis Map lets Gulf Coast residents report "sightings of fishermen out or work, endangered wildlife, oil on shore, oil sheens, health impacts and other problems." Information can be submitted in a variety of ways.

    "Reports can be made and viewed at http://oilspill.labucketbrigade.org. Mobile phone users can text or call in reports to (504) 27 27 OIL. Reports can also be sent to bpspillmap@gmail.com and through Twitter with the hashtag #BPspillmap. Eyewitness reports for the map require a description, and location information such as address, city and state, zip-code or coordinates. Citizen reporters can remain anonymous or disclose their contact information. Photos and video can be uploaded via the web."

    Click here for more on the organization's effort.

    Emergency.Louisiana.Gov

    To report injured or oiled wildlife, call 1-866-557-1401. To report spill-related damage, call 1-800,440-0858, and to inquire about volunteering, or to report oil on the shore, call 1-866-448-5816.

    To submit alternative response technology, services or products: 281.366.5511

    To submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system: 281.366.5511

    Deepwater Horizon Response Unified Command

    Deepwater Horizon Response Unified Command is urging the public to report any breaks in the nearly 1.2 million feet of boom that have been placed throughout the Gulf of Mexico. To report an incident, call 1-866-448-5816.

    In addition, the group is soliciting the public's ideas for "stopping the flow of oil into the Gulf, containing or recovering it, or
    cleaning it up." Click here to submit your suggestion, or alternatively, call 281-366-5511.

    Related link: BP's suggestion box is spilling over

    Mobile Baykeeper
    Mobile Baykeeper is raising money in response to the oil spill in order to protect "the beauty, health, and heritage of the Mobile Bay Watershed."

    OilSpillVolunteers.com also provides the opportunity sign up and assist with the cleanup.

    While their website says volunteers are not yet needed, Mobile Baykeeper is urging anyone who is interested to call their office at 251-433-4229 or e-mail info@mobilebaykeeper.org.

    Greater New Orleans Foundation
    The Greater New Orleans Foundation has set up a fund to help some communities that will be affected by the oil spill.

    The Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board is connecting BP with fisherman looking to aid in the cleanup effort. If interested, call 281-366-5511 or e-mail, HorizonSupport@OEGLLC.com.

    The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers to "fill a variety of needs." Pre-veterinary students, veterinary technicians, and anyone with HAZWOPER training (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard) are "strongly encouraged" to register.

    Have we missed any opportunities that you've noticed? Leave a comment below.