Though founded just four years ago, the non-profit American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) has already established an impressive track record in humanitarian relief. The group, formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, serves as a kind of logistics clearinghouse for disaster response efforts, matching aid organizations in need of logistics expertise or services with companies willing to provide that support. Some examples of ALAN's accomplishments include the following:

• Bringing together Feed the Children and vendors of Limited Brands to deliver relief supplies to victims in American Samoa after the September 2009 tsunami
• Assisting with transportation and logistics to deliver protective firefighting gear donated by Montgomery County, Md., to Haitian firefighters
• Working with Menlo Worldwide Logistics to distribute pallets of bottled water to Feeding America food banks across the country
• Helping Invacare Corp. connect with Catholic Charities and donate much-needed mattresses, wheelchairs, and walkers for disaster relief after Hurricane Gustav.

Disaster can strike at any time, and help is always needed. If you or your company can donate supply chain expertise, products, equipment, or transportation/warehousing services, contact ALAN.