There are so many different ways to support DASH this holiday season that we often get asked: What is the BEST way to help? What do you need the most?
The simple answer is: The best way to help is to make a cash (or gift card) donation.
But why?
Because the best gift you can give a survivor is the control to make their own decisions.
One of the principles our organization is founded on is sovereignty: having the freedom and responsibility to determine what is right for yourself and to be self-governing. We believe that each survivor who comes to us for help deserves the right to choose for themselves what help is best for them, and in fact, is best equipped to know what they need most.
The gift of cash (or, as we are requesting this year, gift cards for our residents) gives DASH residents the gift of choice. They can decide where and how to spend that money to best benefit themselves and their family members this holiday season.
Because donations of goods often come with unexpected costs.
Many of our generous supporters have made amazing in-kind donations of goods to DASH and we are forever grateful. However, right now our manpower and resources are already stretched thin, dedicated to keeping our survivors and our staff safe during the pandemic and keeping our doors open, and we have had to pause most of our volunteer support. Managing the influx of donated goods creates additional strains on our staff time, and safety issues as we try to avoid spreading infection.
Because in an emergency, money pays the bills and keeps the lights on and the doors open. And COVID-19 is nothing short of an emergency.
We are committed to keeping our doors open to survivors in need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are glad to report we have maintained this access to our safe housing throughout the last nine months. Every gift made this December will help us continue that commitment.
Because we KNOW what needs to be done, and we are committed to doing it well.
The gift of money allows DASH to use our immense expertise on the subject of safe housing and domestic and sexual violence to decide where funds are needed most, what programs would be the most beneficial, and where the need is the greatest.
On top of that, DASH believes in transparency and integrity. We provide our donors with access to all of our financial records, and we have an impeccable reputation, so you can trust that when we choose how to use your donor dollars, we will make sure they are used wisely, and for the maximum benefit of the survivors we serve.
Want to do even more? Engage more people to help!
Our supporters often organize goods collection points in their office – everyone brings in an unwrapped gift or something similar – to donate to DASH during the holidays. This year, most offices are working virtually, but that doesn’t mean you can’t engage your co-workers to help survivors during a time that can be especially challenging for them.
Consider hosting a virtual crowdfunding campaign and collecting donations for DASH this holiday season. We have all the tools and tips to make this easy and fun for you and your friends. Just email JMurgel@dashdc.org to get started!
Please consider making a donation to DASH before the end of the year or donating a gift card to help a survivor and their family celebrate the holidays. Thank you for your support!
