In the aftermath of disasters, whether natural or man made, people will rally together to provide help and support. People show their generosity by donating money, goods, and time, and provide support for the families of the victims of the event. This generosity is what makes our communities whole, and what makes each of us human.

Below we have listed a few Do's and Don'ts for helping a school district in need after an emergency. These are not the only ways, but are some that from experience, rise to the top. It may be beneficial that conversations on how to help take place prior to the emergency, so that it can be communicated to the community as a whole.

DO'S AND DON'TS

1. Do donate money
   Access to money after a devastating event may be very limited for a school district. Their immediate needs are to get the facilities back to normal and money is essential. Since school districts are tax exempt, they can use the money and purchase more than a business or an individual can.

2. Do develop partnerships with other school districts
   School districts may offer help by becoming a buddy with other school districts. This will provide help for all involved districts, and since they are like entities, they are more likely to have access to the items that may be immediately needed. See more about this in the PEOPLE section of this guide.

3. Don't empty out your warehouse
   Although in many cases school districts will need replacement furniture, contact the school district prior to sending any such items to them. In some cases, the district may not have the storage capacity to hold these items, which will create a problem for the district.

4. Do hold on to old books
   Again, even though a school district may need to replace books, they are the best judges of what is needed. Contact them prior to sending books that may be outdated, or that may not suit their curriculum.

5. Do get involved
   Don't hesitate to help. Contact the district and/or local support and emergency aid organizations and ask how to get involved. In many cases, volunteer time for cleanup or rebuilding is more important than goods.