WTF 2017? Natural Disaster Edition

Oh 2017, you've unleashed so much disaster upon us. I'm not just talking about politics and social issues. Natural disasters swept the world this year. Earthquakes destroying communities, fires wiping out the whole year's worth of crops, and devastating hurricanes leaving many without power and access to adequate health care. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Earthquakes in Mexico and Italy. Monsoon flooding in Bangladesh. Landslides in sierra Leone. Bali is contending with a volcano as we speak. These disasters are deadly. These disasters are expensive. These disasters will take ages to recover from. Thanks, 2017, but seriously WTF?

All of the natural disasters have left major destruction in their wake. A NOAA report of Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate disasters shows estimates of almost 22 billion dollars in damage this year from floods, freezes, and storms. This estimate does not even include Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Irma. As we wrap up 2017, it brings all of this devastation into focus. The list seems never-ending and we still have a few weeks to go.

How do we cope with all of this devastation? Well, we can give cold, hard, cash. We can find organizations on the ground that are making a difference right now. December is the time for spending money; it's the season of giving and getting.

If you find yourself trying to figure out what to tell people to get you for the holidays or if you're struggling with the concept of spending money on trinkets knowing that the same cash could be used to buy water filters for 10 families, think of donating to a cause to help recovery from the nightmare that was 2017.

Whether it's in Mexico, Houston, Haiti, or Puerto Rico, your support might mean a better chance of health, an opportunity for education, or a sated hunger. Some of these efforts are right on our doorstep. Based on experience with Katrina, the earthquake in Haiti, and a number of other recent disasters, we know that recovery can take years and years without the right resources.

Think of helping. This year especially, when we're feeling depressed and beat up by 2017. This year when we're feeling like nothing is going right. This year when we feel out of control and are wondering what we can do. This is the year to take the opportunity to help your neighbor recover from a 2017 that changed their lives. Exchange the satisfaction of getting a good deal on a holiday gift for the satisfaction of making a difference in someone's life.

Note: Make sure you research any organization you donate to. Make sure the money is going to the right places. Make sure the organization is active the in region and has tangible results. Try to get as direct to the source as possible to maximize the benefit of your contributions. Charity Navigator is a great start, but doesn't cover all organizations. Check out the annual reports or other releases from the organization. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask them hard questions before you donate.