×

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: The Cursive Crew

News

Ann (left) and Dolores (right) smile during a Tuesday morning letter-writing session.
By Hannah Rael

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

While 105-year-old Edythe Kirchmaier is perhaps our most well-known volunteer, she rarely works alone. Each Tuesday morning Dolores Marso and Ann Pless join her in hand-writing thank you letters to Direct Relief’s supporters.

“I think it’s important to acknowledge the gifts that people have given,” said Dolores, adding that she loves to study the addresses and see the national and international reach of people who care about improving the health and lives of others.

Dolores came to Direct Relief six years ago when her daughter joined as a staff member. “She always talked with pride about what Direct Relief does and that was an incentive to go there and give back,” reflected the Chicago area native.

Since then, she’s become more connected with the organization’s health-focused mission, especially after recovering from cancer several years ago. Dolores said the experience caused her to realize how important it is to help other people in need access good health care. “You want better for them,” she said.

Her fellow volunteer, Ann, expressed a similar desire to give back to those who haven’t had the same blessings she has had. “That’s what makes the world go ’round,” she stated.

After retiring in 2007, she began looking for ways to help around the community. In addition to writing letters, she helps with Meals on Wheels and regularly drives nuns in need of transportation to their medical appointments.

But volunteering at Direct Relief – where she has rarely missed a Tuesday since she started four years ago – remains a special part of her week. She said the camaraderie and friendship among the letter-writing team have molded her outlook on life. “I love being around people who are wise.”

Moreover, she said the regular practice of writing thank you’s to Direct Relief supporters has inspired her to hand-write letters of gratitude to people who have touched her life.

“The written thank you note is invaluable,” said Ann. “It’s not a lost art if there’s people like us around.”

Direct Relief is incredibly grateful for the help of these women and the rest of their team. Thank you, Dolores and Ann!

Related posts:A Swedish Wonder Woman, The Tech Squad, Mr. Fix-It

Giving is Good Medicine

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