Tag: disaster relief

Prepare Your Organization for Heatwaves

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Summer means soaring temperatures for much of the country. As we’ve seen this year, this is true even for areas that historically remain cooler —like the Pacific Northwest which saw record-breaking heat earlier this month. As the earth continues to warm, we’re grateful that many are fortunate enough to relax in cool, air conditioning, with plenty to drink. Unfortunately, there are still many who suffer needlessly in the sweltering sun. But you can help.

Your organization can make a huge difference in the lives of those less fortunate with a few thoughtful donations. Help prepare for summer heatwaves by stocking up on essentials for staying cool. Then work with local homeless shelters and charities to deliver these items to vulnerable members of your community.

Heatwave preparedness is increasingly necessary throughout the US. Here are some of the best ways your organization can help.

Water and reusable water bottles One of the easiest and best ways to avoid overheating, is by staying well hydrated. According to the CDC, “dehydration is a primary contributor to heat exhaustion.” They also recommend drinking about 1 cup of water every 20 minutes in extreme heat.

While water is an obvious welcomed supply, also consider reusable, refillable water bottles. DollarDays makes it easy with a great selection of sizes at quantities at wholesale prices. Not only will they help your organization prepare for the heat, but it will also help you cut down on plastic waste. Additionally, many cities have public drinking water sources available to make refilling easy.

Hats and Umbrellas

Avoiding the sun can be difficult in some areas. Both hats and umbrellas can provide respite from the unforgiving sun especially during peak after hours. We love these lightweight, wide-brimmed hats with a neck cover. These all-weather umbrellas have a handy wrist strap and fold into a compact and easy-to-transport shape.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is another item that those in need might choose to forego. However, during a blistering heatwave, it’s important to protect exposed skin. Our sunscreen products are effective, affordable, and available in bulk.

Loose Fitting Clothes

Loose-fitting clothes are essential for keeping cool. We’ve got just the right summer clothing items for men, women, and children. In addition to several t-shirts and tank top options for women, we also carry a few stylish, airy dresses. They come in a variety of designs that are affordable and cooling.

For kids, we have a variety of cool, cotton t-shirts as well as long sleeve rash guards with UV protection – perfect for bright, sunny days. For men, we love these performance crew-neck t-shirts and sleeveless shirts that are made from quick-drying fabric to help wick sweat away from the skin. All of these items are available at wholesale prices and designed to last.

Hygiene Kits

Sweat is the body’s way of keeping you from overheating. Unfortunately, it’s also uncomfortable and will have you feeling less than fresh. Hygiene kits make for excellent donations as they are always in need. We have pre-assembled kits, or you could mix and match essentials. Wet wipes, deodorants, and toothpaste are always needed.

Fans

For small businesses looking to find relief from the heat or if you want to give to a shelter, we have several fans to keep air circulating. We also have a huge selection of personal fans that kids enjoy. These handheld fans come in a fun ice cream cone design.

Staying cool can be a real challenge for those in need. DollarDays is committed to helping where we can. These items will all bring some relief and help to keep everyone in our communities safe.


Read our prior article here: https://blog.dollardays.com/2021/06/02/disaster-relief-ways-to-prepare-your-organization/

Disaster Relief: Ways to Prepare Your Organization

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While summer might mean sunscreen, hot dogs, and lazy days at the pool for some, for disaster relief organizations, it’s a great time to evaluate preparations and procedures for potential weather-related emergencies. Although May is National Wildfire Awareness month, it’s not just wildfires that are cause for concern in the summer. As the mercury rises, many parts of the country are also at a higher risk for hurricanes, tornadoes, and powerful summer storms.

Now more than ever, communities rely on non-profits and disaster relief programs to provide necessary supplies and expertise, making this the perfect time to ensure you are ready and able to help when called.

Make sure your supplies are well stocked

One of the most important and simplest steps you can take is to take inventory of all the supplies you currently have on hand. When an emergency hits, you won’t have time to go digging through your supplies or spend time wondering if you have enough. You also want to go through the items you have in stock and make sure they are not expired or are still in good condition. You want to be sure you’ve thought of everything you might need before, during, and after disaster strikes.

With DollarDays new Emergency Prepardedness line, we can help you manage all the supplies you’ll need to help your communities through any kind of natural disaster or emergency situation. We’ve got quality products for cleanup recovery like trash bags and sturdy buckets, first-aid kits and supplies like bandages and antiseptic creams, a wide selection of non-perishable food items, and more.

Buying these supplies wholesale can help your organization save money so you help save more people.

Ask for Donations

Natural disasters and other unexpected emergencies are devastating. The good news is they often bring out the best in our neighbors and communities. People want to help. As the frequency with which these events occur, almost everyone knows someone touched by a catastrophic event. Chances are, they still remember how difficult that time was and want to help ensure no one has to live through what they did by providing disaster relief assistance.

However, many people don’t really know where to start. Asking for donations is a great way for your organization to increase its supplies, and for individuals to feel good about contributing. Even those outside communities hit hard often sit back and wish there was more they could do. Donating is a powerful action anyone can take.

DollarDays is committed to making it easy and affordable to make a huge impact with critically needed items for any disaster. Non-profits, schools, or even families can make charitable donations for the items your organization needs most. Don’t be shy about asking for donations!

Encourage people to volunteer with your organization

Another step your disaster relief organization can take to help prepare, is to actively encourage volunteers to help both during an emergency and during calmer periods. Before a crisis hits is the perfect time for organizations to recruit disaster relief volunteers.

No community is immune from potential disasters. As wild weather continues to become more the norm, disaster relief volunteers are more important than ever. Volunteers can make a huge difference in your community by extending their time and expertise.

Reach out to local religious institutions, corporations, and local officials to spread the word about volunteering with your organization. Invite former volunteers to share their experiences and how rewarding this work can be through social media and other channels of communication.

Preparing for a natural disaster is critical for most communities. We’ve come to rely on help of disaster relief organizations to heed the call when emergencies happen, but you don’t have to do it alone. DollarDays is proud to stock everything from fresh blankets to hygiene kits to survival gear so you can focus on helping people recover.


Good360 Announces Clinton Global Initiative Commitment

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Good360, the global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving, is pleased to announce it has launched a Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Commitment to Action called “Optimizing Corporate Disaster Giving and Engagement.” CGI, an initiative of the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation, convenes global leaders to create and implement innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

At the third CGI Action Network Meeting on Post-disaster Recovery, hosted in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Good360 announced its commitment to spearheading an actionable mission around thoughtful giving during disasters by educating responsible business leaders at a number of Fortune 500 companies on adopting a proactive, needs-based, resilient, transparent and long-term approach to disaster giving.

In 2018, Good360’s Disaster Recovery Council collaborated with both nonprofit and corporate partners to launch the Resilient Response Initiative, which encourages companies to embrace and embody best practices in disaster giving. This CGI Commitment to Action builds upon that foundation and provides Good360 and its partners with a platform for meaningful action and impact.

“Good360 maintains an unwavering commitment to holistic, long-term disaster recovery practices,” said Howard Sherman, CEO of Good360. “This Commitment to Action allows us to expand upon our work at a critical point while the frequency and intensity of natural disasters are on the rise and while many impacted communities continue to face daunting paths to recovery. The impact of stronger, more informed disaster-giving practices means an acceleration of the recovery curve, building resilience for the future, and the true transformation of communities.”

Good360’s commitment addresses several important and interconnected issues in the disaster-recovery field. There is significant misalignment between how and when corporations give compared to the full disaster-recovery curve. The majority of giving often occurs in the immediate wake of the disaster event itself, leaving long-term recovery efforts without sufficient resources. Further, if in-kind donations are not based on actual on-the-ground needs, they can often hamper and complicate recovery efforts.

This commitment also leverages important existing cross-sector collaboration, spearheaded by the members of Good360’s Disaster Recovery Council, including The UPS Foundation, United Airlines, CVS Health, Ecolab, RH (Restoration Hardware), Wrangler, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and DollarDays, as well as nonprofit All Hands and Hearts.

“We are holding the Clinton Global Initiative’s Action Network on Post-disaster Recovery in San Juan to help Puerto Rico and the Caribbean continue to build back stronger after the devastating hurricane season of 2017. Our work is grounded in the idea that everyone has a responsibility to do what they can to help people in need,” said Kevin Thurm, CEO of the Clinton Foundation. “Good360’s Commitment to Action encourages best practices in disaster giving and is a wonderful example of leaders stepping up and working in partnership to make their contributions more powerful. We are grateful to Good360 and its partners […] for coming together to expand their impact and lay the foundation for a more resilient future.”

The commitment details can be found here: https://www.clintonfoundation.org/clinton-global-initiative/commitment/optimizing-corporate-disaster-giving-engagement

Original article here: https://good360.org/press-releases/press-release-good360-announces-clinton-global-initiative-commitment/

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

About Good360
Good360’s mission is to transform lives by providing hope, dignity and a sense of renewed possibility to individuals, families and communities impacted by disasters or other challenging life circumstances who, without us, would struggle to find that hope. As the global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving, we partner with socially responsible companies to source highly needed goods and distribute them through our network of diverse nonprofits that support people in need. Good360 has distributed more than $9 billion in donated goods around the world, helping its network of more than 75,000 prequalified nonprofits strengthen communities and improve the lives of millions. Good360 is proud to partner with corporate donors such as Walmart, UPS, CVS Health Foundation, Amazon, Advance Auto Parts, RH (Restoration Hardware), American Eagle Outfitters, Tempur Sealy International, Mattel, Gap, Inc., Eddie Bauer, Levi Strauss & Company, and JPMorganChase. Good360 is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at https://www.good360.org.

About the CGI Action Network on Post-disaster Recovery
The CGI Action Network on Post-disaster Recovery convenes leaders from business, government and civil society to make commitments to action that will help communities in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda recover from the devastating 2017 hurricane season and rebuild in a sustainable way. The CGI Action Network, along with Clinton Global Initiative University, follows the success of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) and its commitment-to-action model. Over the years, CGI and its successors have brought together leaders from across sectors to improve the lives of more than 430 million people in 180 countries worldwide.

Good360, DollarDays Grow National Partnership

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Good360, the global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving, and DollarDays today announced a new partnership that will increase the support of disaster-relief efforts, upholding Good360’s mission to get the right goods to the right people at the right time during all phases of disaster recovery. The agreement builds upon DollarDays’ efforts over the past three years to support Good360 and its diverse base of more than 75,000 nonprofit partners.

DollarDays is currently a leading provider of needed goods through Good360’s online community. Nonprofit organizations looking to maximize their donation dollars can access high-quality, low-cost products for their own charitable efforts. Highly needed products include baby and school supplies, blankets, hygiene kits, and clothing basics, such as shirts, hats, gloves, socks and underwear. DollarDays also supports Good360 with as-needed special orders, recently providing backpacks and school supplies for distribution within the Good360 nonprofit membership network.

“Good360 understands and invests in disaster-recovery preparation like no other organization,” said Shelly Chaney, Vice President and General Manager of DollarDays. “They’re ready to respond and quick to deploy the necessary aid when and wherever it’s needed to people struggling to endure unexpected challenges. By combining Good360’s expertise and experience with DollarDays’ wholesale supply engine, merchandise networks, pricing negotiation skills, and data and analytics tools, we’re creating a powerful force to respond to disasters.”

“With DollarDays, we get to work smarter and more effectively as partners together,” said Howard Sherman, CEO of Good360. “We can source exactly what is needed in the disaster field in order to meet the needs of our nonprofit partners as the demand arises. This relationship also allows us to pre-position highly needed, ‘no regret’ items that can be deployed quickly to disaster-impacted areas. DollarDays has created products and programs that help us and our partners, and will add tremendous value to our disaster-relief efforts.”

In 2017, DollarDays also donated five percent of sales for a week, raising more than $32,000 to help Good360 mobilize its recovery efforts in Texas following Hurricane Harvey.

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

About Good360
Good360’s mission is to transform lives by providing hope, dignity, and a sense of renewed possibility to individuals, families, and communities impacted by disasters or other challenging life circumstances who, without us, would struggle to find that hope. As the global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving, we partner with socially responsible companies to source highly needed goods and distribute them through our network of diverse nonprofits that support people in need. Good360 has distributed more than $9 billion in donated goods around the world, helping its network of more than 75,000 prequalified nonprofits strengthen communities and improve the lives of millions. Good360 is proud to partner with corporate donors such as Walmart, UPS, CVS Health Foundation, Amazon, Advance Auto Parts, RH (Restoration Hardware), American Eagle Outfitters, Tempur Sealy International, Mattel, Gap, Inc., Eddie Bauer, Levi Strauss & Company, and JPMorganChase. Good360 is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at https://www.good360.org.

Supply Chain Solutions for Disaster Relief

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While planning for a natural disaster may seem daunting, it’s imperative to have a strategy in place. Beyond wreaking havoc on the land, disasters can disrupt both global and local supply chains through missed deliveries, logistics snags and supply shortages. Nonprofits are often one of the first to assist with the relief and recovery process, and it can be difficult for these groups to develop a plan for procuring the right goods to help those affected. With our charitable organizations in mind, we’re laying out the steps you need to take to build a strong sourcing strategy.

Create

Prior to cultivating a relationship with a potential sourcing partner, it’s important to consider the following:

  • Budget: Does your organization have a dedicated budget for disaster-relief efforts? Allocating funds prior to a disaster is crucial, as you’ll be able to respond quickly and acquire essential items.
  • Past Contributions: Where did you send resources previously, and what types of resources did you provide? Referencing this information will help you know which items were in demand during past emergency situations, including when they were needed most.
  • Forecasting Needs: Use your organization’s historical data to identify trends, such as whether you allotted the majority of your contributions to your community or to global events.

Develop

While you may not have a warehouse to store the supplies you’ve sourced throughout the year, a strategic partner will. This partner also can assist with expediting products, sourcing specific items, and routing your resources to the right places during a disaster. These benefits are invaluable, as relief groups often look to procure similar items, which can deplete inventories and further impact the supply chain.

  • Road Map: It’s critical to have a plan in place for your supply chain efforts to ensure you’re prepared to send relief and recovery items when disaster strikes – or even before.
  • Communication: During a disaster, seamless communication is essential. All critical departments need to be properly informed to ensure your disaster-relief efforts aren’t delayed.

Execute

You have a plan in place and it’s time to act. What are your next steps?

  • Breathe: Take a moment to analyze the situation and develop an understanding of the disaster. You’ll need to know what challenges the disaster may pose and identify alternatives as applicable. Maintain a professional presence to diffuse emotional responses around you and keep everyone within your team focused on the plan.
  • Send Supplies: Determine where to send your supplies by reaching out to partners, local officials, your volunteer network or emergency services. It’s critical your resources are sent to the right place at the right time.

Rate Your Response

Contact your sourcing partner and take note of any procurement challenges you faced during the disaster. Make adjustments to your plan based on new solutions for future disaster-relief efforts. Wholesale partners like DollarDays can work with you to create a sourcing plan and provide a network of warehouses from which to source.

Conclusion

Preparing for a disaster is all about understanding your organization’s needs and having the right partners in place ahead of time to help you execute your initiatives. DollarDays can streamline sourcing of critically needed products to ensure they reach those who need them the most.

To learn more about working with DollarDays on your disaster-relief and community preparedness strategies, visit our online disaster-relief portal or contact us directly.

Disaster Creates Huge Demand for Survival Supplies for DollarDays

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“We had orders for survival supplies even before [Hurricane] Sandy hit the East Coast as people prepared for the worst, and they are still pouring in. The demand for our wholesale Marc Gold fleece blankets is incredible—we continue to ship thousands.

“In addition to stay-warm supplies such as jackets, hats and gloves, [items like] flashlights, personal hygiene kits and food are selling fast. Businesses, nonprofits and consumers are buying in bulk to be well prepared for the long road to recovery. It’s hard to imagine what it’s like to be in such a horrible disaster. We are happy to be able to provide some relief to the victims of Sandy.

“Read the Huffington Post article, ‘Holes in the Safety Net,’ to see why DollarDays recommends that people partner up with The Salvation Army, Red Cross, Gospel Rescue Mission and other nonprofits equipped to help with disasters,” says Marc Joseph, President and CEO of DollarDays, a subsidiary of America’s Suppliers, Inc. (AASL), the premier Internet-based wholesaler to small businesses, nonprofits and local distributors.

You can help, too, by participating in DollarDays’ Facebook merchandise giveaway by nominating any nonprofit organization to share $5,000 in merchandise through November. Additionally, visit DollarDays’ site, where designer Marc Gold is […] giving away 100 cases of toys to 100 different community toy drives, and nominate your favorite organization. It’s an easy and free way to help others at the time of year that giving is so important.

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

Nonprofits Use New Online Wishlist Registry to Request Much-needed Items

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Charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status can now create online wishlists of necessities so donors can buy exactly what their favorite organization needs. DollarDays, a premier Internet-based product wholesaler to small businesses, local distributors and nonprofit organizations, launched the online registry for nonprofits to provide people another way to give to a cause.

Similar to a bridal or gift registry, the site allows charities to list their needs—from dog bowls and linens to office supplies, clothing and more—that can be purchased at a reduced cost through DollarDays. DollarDays has more than 30,000 items available at wholesale prices.

“People are generous but also […] worried how their cash donations are being spent,” said Marc Joseph, CEO of DollarDays. “By creating a registry, the charities get exactly what they need, and those who want to give can see exactly where their money is going.”

According to DSD Management Fundraising Services, [from] 2000 to 2004, the number of nonprofits increased 23%, but the amount of money donated by individuals decreased 2%.

More than 50 nonprofits nationwide are currently using the DollarDays wishlist. One of the first to implement the wishlist was [t]he Arizona Animal Welfare League, which is Arizona’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter. Each year, the organization adopts out approximately 2,400 animals and provides education programs for children and adults.

“Using the DollarDays wishlist gives our supporters and donors the opportunity to buy products that directly help our animals and our shelter operations. As a nonprofit organization that operates entirely on private donations, this is an easy way for our supporters to help us meet our everyday needs,” said Claire Simeone, Community Relations Manager [for the] Arizona Animal Welfare League. “This is great idea that many other nonprofit organizations could benefit from.”

Another organization benefiting from the wishlist is Cradles to Crayons, a Massachusetts-based organization dedicated to providing poor and homeless children everyday supplies for life.

“DollarDays gets what we do and continually makes it easy for us to maximize our purchasing dollars,” said Jim Stevens, President [of] Cradles to Crayons. “Our DollarDays Charity Wishlist partnership enables us to make direct appeals to donors who like to know exactly what their donation provides. It gives our donors choices and maximum value.”

Joseph had the idea to create the registry in the days following [Hurricane] Katrina. Government agencies, church groups and individuals used DollarDays to buy items such as diapers, clothes and other basic merchandise […] for the hurricane victims.

“The people I spoke with days after Katrina said they felt safer and more comfortable buying necessities then sending a check,” said Joseph. “They knew that their items would get to the charity and to the people who needed it most.”

According to the FBI, before Hurricane Katrina even hit land, domain names were being bought up by scam artists, and there were more than 4,000 Katrina-related websites that popped up in the aftermath of the disaster.

Joseph adds, “The charities manage their registry so it’s legitimate and current. Charities always need items, whether it’s for the people or animals they are helping or administrative goods to keep their organizations working. Whether it’s money or merchandise, every donation helps.”

According to the American Institute of Philanthropy, a nonprofit watchdog and information service that grades national charities, philanthropies receive high grades for putting 75% or more of donated funds toward program goals while keeping their fundraising drives and overhead below 25%.

Since DollarDays is a wholesaler, the public can buy items off the charity’s registry at wholesale prices, so they are actually getting more for their dollar. DollarDays carries more than 30,000 items ranging from decorative items and clothing to personal care products and office supplies.

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Hurricane-relief Agencies Turn to DollarDays to Stretch Donations, Tax Dollars

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Disaster-relief organizations and government agencies are turning to DollarDays, a premier Internet-based product wholesaler to small businesses and local distributors, to stretch their budgets and provide basics to hurricane victims.

Organizations from The Salvation Army to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are purchasing items—from combs, razors and bandages to jogging suits, baby bottles and hand sanitizers—on www.dollardays.com.

“We have been involved in hurricane relief since the very day [Hurricane] Katrina hit the Gulf Coast,” said Marc Joseph, CEO of DollarDays. “A few weeks ago, we donated 10% of our daily sales to hurricane relief. Now, relief agencies have discovered that they can stretch their budgets while purchasing the items hurricane victims need by shopping [at] DollarDays.”

In addition, churches, small nonprofit organizations and individuals are using DollarDays as a way to purchase items to donate and distribute.

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.