**Disclaimer: This post is reflective of our company while under the name Pledgeling and the listed information may be outdated. Please refer to our main company website on Pledge for current information and resources.**
With the holidays quickly approaching, we pause to give thanks for the first responders and acknowledge all of the communities who have been affected by the devastation of natural disasters this season. The west and east coasts of the US have already been hit hard by the ongoing threats of hurricanes and wildfires. Although there is a significant response to disaster relief when a natural disaster strikes, the ongoing recovery, and support services are critical to individuals and families who struggle to rebuild their lives. Together we can make the holidays matter a little more by doing all we can to help make a difference in their lives.
California Wildfires
There are currently over a dozen active wildfires burning in California, including the Camp Fire in Northern California (11,862 structures destroyed, including homes) and the Woolsey Fire in Southern California (616 structures destroyed and 57,000 in danger). These fires alone have already claimed more than 70 lives at the time of post. The need for help is significant, and there are a few amazing organizations that are working around the clock to keep people & animals safe and unite separated loved ones.
If you want to contribute, the American Red Cross is sheltering evacuees and working to connect people affected by the fires. Additionally, the California Community Foundation's Wildfire Relief Fund is a foundation that works solely to benefit fire victims emotionally, financially, and medically.
Hurricane Recovery
"Hurricane season" officially ends on November 30th. While it's a relief to hear that the storms should subside soon, there is still a lot of recovery work to be done. Power is out, homes are in shambles, and people are desperate for basic necessities.
Communities are trying to establish normalcy again, but they're faced with the need for humanitarian efforts to provide a ground to stand on. Many people are being pressed to return to work when they're in dire need of disaster assistance.
If you're looking for a way to give back and support relief & recovery programs this holiday season, here are a few options to make it quick and easy to do so through Pledgeling's tools and services:
Give & Grow App on Shopify
Shopify users have the option to download our free, award-winning Give & Grow app which quickly and simply incorporates micro-donations into every purchase.
It takes less than five minutes to add the widget to your Shopify page. Whether you want to donate to disaster relief or another cause important to you, we power donations to any nonprofit organization of your choice.
You also have the option of adding an Impact Calculator to your page that lets customers see just how much you have raised through your sales in real-time, so they feel connected to the larger impact that your store is making in the world.
Use Evite
With the holidays coming around, using Evite will serve as an excellent way to send and manage your event invitations. Pledgeling works with Evite to make any gathering an opportunity to make an impact.
In fact, any event - even a birthday party - can be an opportunity to give. 'Tis the season to party with a purpose! The process is simple:
- Choose a theme and Evite invitation
- Select 'Add Donations' on the invitation
- Pick the organization you want to support
- Set a goal for your fundraising
When your invitations go out, guests have the ability to donate immediately. You'll also be notified when someone donates.
Whether you're inviting guests through email or text message, use this holiday season as an opportunity to benefit those who have been affected by natural disasters.
Text to Donate
Making it easy for your customers to donate is the first step in generating a large impact. Our Text to Donate feature will take care of that.
From custom video creation to platform management, the entire process is easy and you're at the center of it. Find out how seamless it can be to start your mobile campaign. See it in action - Text WILDFIRE to 707070.
All of the options above are direct ways that your business can benefit people in need. So, what's stopping you? Get out there and start making a change! For help and support to set up a custom campaign for disaster relief & recovery services through your business, email our team at relief@pledgeling.com.