Disaster Relief at Work

Year Founded
2012
EIN
45-4900831
Local Leader/Exec. Director
Greg Martin _none, Executive Director
Samantha Smith _none, Community Liaison/Event Coordinator
Kris Schmidt _none, Warehouse/Operations Manager
Primary Contact Name
Kris Schmidt
Main Address

DRAW HQ / Warehouse
3549 Airport Road #104
Waterford, MI 48329
United States

Mailing address
1556 N Telegraph Dr
Pontiac, MI 48340
United States

What We Do
Image
Draw logo

We aim to provide whatever the survivors of natural disasters need as soon as they need it. Our first response teams will help survivors sift through the remains of their homes to salvage valuables, move trees that have fallen and blocked them in their driveway, or just sit and listen as they grieve.  After a disaster hits, Disaster Relief at Work (DRAW) visits the site to assess the damage and needs of the survivors, and then returns with either supplies or a team to perform the work that needs to be done to help the survivors return to normalcy.  

Recent Responses

  • Tylertown, MS  & St. Louis, MO Tornadoes (March 16th, 2025)
  • SW Detroit water main burst (February 2025)
  • Greater Los Angeles Wildfires (January 2025)
  • Hurricane Helene, areas surrounding Cedar Key, FL  (September 28th, 2024)
  • Hurricane Debby, areas of NC/SC (August 7th, 2024)

In May 2012, dozens of caring individuals came together to help form the organization and processes to meet survivors’ needs. At their rock bottom, disaster survivors need quick and precise assistance.  For those that would like to volunteer, DRAW has open volunteering available every week.  For groups of 10 and more, please contact Kris Schmidt (kschmidt@drawbuckets.org) so we can coordinate your own event!

DRAW relies on the commitment and support of thousands of volunteers across the country.  Contributions enable DRAW to prepare for disasters and respond effectively in the aftermath of an event.  Have a question about how you can help?  Contact info@drawbuckets.org for more information.

Starting in 2018,  The Coffee Bucket  was opened so people can come in for a cup of coffee to further support DRAW and hear about our mission.  Our baristas double as first responders, and 100% of proceeds go directly to helping those affected by disaster.  The Coffee Bucket is conveniently located at 3549 Airport Road, Suite 104, Waterford, MI 48329.  Stop on by, have a cup of coffee, and chat with us all things DRAW!

Interesting Info
  • DRAW responds to an average of 12 disasters per year
  • In the past 5 years, DRAW has provided about $1.5 million in supplies to disaster victims
  • Disaster Relief at Work is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Donations are tax deductible!
Geographic Location

Waterford

Volunteer Opportunities
Saturday Warehouse Open Volunteering
Repeats weekly on Saturday, 9:30am - 11am for 260 times
Duration of 1 hour 30 minutes

Wednesday Warehouse Open Volunteering
Repeats weekly on Wednesday, 9:30am - 11am for 260 times
Duration of 1 hour 30 minutes

Volunteers Needed: Bucket Run 5K
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Duration of 1 hour 30 minutes

Events
Bucket Run 5K
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Duration of 2 hours
Read More

Block Party- Celebrating 13 years of Disaster Relief at Work!
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Duration of 2 hours 30 minutes
Read More

Volunteers in Action
Sweetings Cay, Bahamas
Loading DRAW trailer for Storm Response
Volunteers packing DRAW's supply buckets
Portage, MI response
Our Coffee Bucket Location
DRAW in the field
Passing out supplies