Ways to Help Coastal Communities With an Oil Spill

Fundraising

• When a disaster such as the Gulf Coast oil spill occurs, there are usually fundraising events of various types that citizens can volunteer for. Athletic events such as triathlons, road races and cycling events are ways to both raise funds and awareness. Citizens can participate in the event directly -- for example, by agreeing to run in a 10k road race and collecting sponsorship money. Citizens can also participate indirectly, helping out behind the scenes and helping to organize the event also helps. Either way, your efforts will help a worthy cause.

Financial Obligations

• Another way to assist coastal communities with an oil spill disaster is through monetary donations. There are registered charities through which to donate. For example, Oxfam America works to help members of affected communities with their financial obligations. Other charities help train volunteers to recover the coastline as well as rehabilitate the affected wildlife.

Donating Items

• Donating items is another way citizens can assist coastal communities. Taking the Gulf Coast oil spill as an example, items of use could include digital cameras, clip boards and pens. These items help workers locate and document injured animals or sites that have been heavily affected by the spill. Other items such as water bottles, sun screen, t-shirts, backpacks and hats will help volunteers cope with the hours and conditions they work in.

Getting Involved Directly

• Citizens can also get directly involved with cleanup efforts. Some tasks are quite skilled so training and a time commitment might be required. For example, the Louisiana Serve Commission works to train volunteers to assist directly with the cleanup efforts along the Louisiana coastline.