How to donate during an emergency

Published on 20 October 2023

In times of emergency or disaster, people instinctively want to help the individuals directly affected by the crisis.

This perfectly natural and generous human response can however add an additional burden to a community already overwhelmed and struggling to cope with the challenges before them.

Not only is it dangerous to enter an emergency zone, unrequested and unwanted donations can cause tremendous harm to communities, who have no capacity to store or distribute the items they receive. 

The role of GIVIT is to support local charities, community groups and councils by helping them obtain exactly what is needed to assist those impacted.

GIVIT’s website allows everyday Australians to see exactly what is required and donate easily, safely and effectively to those who need it.

GIVIT matches donation offers to requests from the community, removing the need for organisations to physically collect, sort, store and ultimately dispose of unwanted donations.

This significantly reduces the administrative and financial burden for organisations, as well as relieving the need to redirect valuable resources away from critical response and recovery activities.

Please ensure all donated items are of high quality. It is about giving exactly what is needed while respecting the dignity of the recipient by only giving quality donations. 

If you are an organisation impacted by the emergency and require access to donated goods and services for your service or for residents, please register for the free service via GIVIT’s website givit.org.au.

To see what is needed or to donate, please visit givit.org.au.