×

News publications and other organizations are encouraged to reuse Direct Relief-published content for free under a Creative Commons License (Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International), given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

When republishing:

  • Include a byline with the reporter’s name and Direct Relief in the following format: "Author Name, Direct Relief." If attribution in that format is not possible, include the following language at the top of the story: "This story was originally published by Direct Relief."
  • If publishing online, please link to the original URL of the story.
  • Maintain any tagline at the bottom of the story.
  • With Direct Relief's permission, news publications can make changes such as localizing the content for a particular area, using a different headline, or shortening story text. To confirm edits are acceptable, please check with Direct Relief by clicking this link.
  • If new content is added to the original story — for example, a comment from a local official — a note with language to the effect of the following must be included: "Additional reporting by [reporter and organization]."
  • If republished stories are shared on social media, Direct Relief appreciates being tagged in the posts:
    • Twitter (@DirectRelief)
    • Facebook (@DirectRelief)
    • Instagram (@DirectRelief)

Republishing Images:

Unless stated otherwise, images shot by Direct Relief may be republished for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution, given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

  • Maintain correct caption information.
  • Credit the photographer and Direct Relief in the caption. For example: "First and Last Name / Direct Relief."
  • Do not digitally alter images.

Direct Relief often contracts with freelance photographers who usually, but not always, allow their work to be published by Direct Relief’s media partners. Contact Direct Relief for permission to use images in which Direct Relief is not credited in the caption by clicking here.

Other Requirements:

  • Do not state or imply that donations to any third-party organization support Direct Relief's work.
  • Republishers may not sell Direct Relief's content.
  • Direct Relief's work is prohibited from populating web pages designed to improve rankings on search engines or solely to gain revenue from network-based advertisements.
  • Advance permission is required to translate Direct Relief's stories into a language different from the original language of publication. To inquire, contact us here.
  • If Direct Relief requests a change to or removal of republished Direct Relief content from a site or on-air, the republisher must comply.

For any additional questions about republishing Direct Relief content, please email the team here.

Volunteer Spotlight: Mr. Fix-It

News

By Hannah Rael

In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 21-27, 2013), each day, Direct Relief will highlight dedicated volunteers who help make the work possible. Learn about some of the wonderful people behind the scenes.

Among the screwdrivers, pliers, broken hospital beds, and eccentric sterilizers scattering a small corner of the Direct Relief warehouse, 70-year-old volunteer Al Sladek performs his best work.

“Fix it or throw it away,” states Al as his motto for handling the various electrical and engineering tasks that pop up in the warehouse – anything from mending dental chairs to controlling the sometimes out-of-control sterilizing machines.

With Al’s tender loving care, used medical equipment donated to Direct Relief is restored to like-new condition before being sent to health center partners caring for people in need in the U.S. and around the world.

After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley in 1973 with a degree in electrical engineering, Al spent over 20 years working for the former Delco Defense Systems Operations in Goleta before retiring in 1997.  He now showcases his spirit of volunteerism through his active participation in the local community where he has lived for so long.

In addition to his past 13 years at Direct Relief, Al has also worked with the Santa Barbara Red Cross to distribute water, sandwiches, and aid to those whose homes burned down during the Santa Barbara wildfires.  He currently volunteers at Serenity House Counseling Services once a week “talking to patients that are in their declining days of life.”

And when he’s not running around volunteering all over Santa Barbara County, Al is adventuring around the mountains that border the region. He has been leading Friday night hikes for the Sierra Club every week for the past 39 years, having been a member for about 45 years now.

But as for his time at Direct Relief, it all began when Al was invited to a luncheon at the organization’s headquarters by a friend who had worked there for 35 years and from there, just “started showing up.”

“It’s quite interesting and rewarding,” comments Al. “It’s a nice place to spend one day a week coming out of retirement.”

Thank you for all the work you do, Al!

Giving is Good Medicine

You don't have to donate. That's why it's so extraordinary if you do.