Kampala — In this time of need your family can think about helping the many displaced people, especially those of Bududa in eastern Uganda.

Uganda needs you. This appeal is in the newspapers, on the radio and TV, urging people to help solve the problems of the poor and suffering.

Many times it remains a remote message that you forget as soon as the advertisement ends. However, with the current disasters threatening people in different parts of the country, it is time to bring the message closer home. It is a message that every family needs to hear re-echoed within their home.

As a family you can get active and together do something to raise money and other necessities that can be forwarded for the cause. Anyone in the family can inspire the rest into action, as long as they are passionate and persistent enough. It is imperative for the family members, young and old to understand just how important their contribution is. This means explaining what has happened and what the needs are.

There has been a terrible landslide in Bududa in eastern Uganda, and others in Kibale, Kisoro, Kabarole and Bundibugyo. Other areas like Butaleja, Tororo, Manafwa are threatened by floods as a result of which many have been displaced. Homes have been totally destroyed, meaning that thousands of Ugandans now don't have shelter, beddings, clothes, food and clean water.

Waterborne and communicable diseases are on the rise in some of these areas, therefore medicine and preventive measures are needed.

In many cases, the landslides and floods have destroyed gardens and food stores, meaning that these people will starve without outside help. Besides food items, even seeds and hand farming tools will be needed.

Once family members understand the magnitude of the need and what exactly is needed, it is easier to mobilise for the contributions. You do not necessarily have to be rich in order to contribute. Every little helps and together we make a difference. Money can come from those who work, but even school-goers who get pocket money or allowances can make some sacrifices and contribute.

Even telecommunications companies have made it possible to donate simply by texting a code word to a selected number and the money will go to a relief fund.

Everyone can contribute clothes from their wardrobe. Some are clothes that no longer fit, or one just stopped wearing. They don't have to be so old that they are simply rags.

Children can give toys, old books and shoes that they no longer use. In some homes there may have been replacement of bedsheets, mattresses and blankets, leaving old ones idle. These can be bundled together and prepared for charity. It may sound strange, but even kitchen items like saucepans and plates are needed.

Another way to contribute is to be the initiator of the drive. Get family and neighbours together and do something to raise money. You could arrange a competitive football match, a charity walk or a car wash to raise money. Families could use their talents to create crafts for sell, bake cakes or cookies for a bake sale or bring out unwanted items to sell in a garage sale. The proceeds would all go towards helping the vulnerable people in the disaster areas.

It may not be possible for everyone to go to the disaster areas to deliver their donations. That is where a third party comes in handy. Thankfully there are many organisations, both business and charity, that are actively collecting such items and delivering them to the sites.

The money collected can be channelled directly to one of the collecting organisations or used to buy items like soap, toothbrushes, dry rations and other necessities. Look out for charity collection boxes at supermarkets like Uchumi, appeals by charities like Uganda Red Cross and other organisations which avail collection points.

Use the opportunity to remind family members to be grateful for whatever they have been blessed with in their lives but also never to forget that there are times when disaster can strike unannounced.

Parents can teach lessons on generosity and then go ahead to demonstrate it by being the most generous. Children learn to have empathy for those who are suffering and not to think only of themselves. Feeling sympathetic and crying when you watch the news is not enough. They can learn to serve and to put their love and concern into action. These are values that will last for a lifetime and will always be appreciated wherever they will go as adults.

Charity is a virtue. Don't let this opportunity to bless the needy pass you by.