Many people are compelled by their sense of altruism to respond to disasters by sending donations of goods, food and clothing. But their well-meaning intentions can result in a surplus that never reaches the victims because of the difficulty of distribution. That’s why officials are encouraging people to send monetary donations instead.
A post on the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page recalls that when the county experienced flooding in 2014 and 2016, “we were inundated with used clothes, shoes, bedding, food, water, etc.” The post said the response resulted in an overwhelming logistics problem almost as difficult to manage as the floods themselves, and added, CASH IS KING!
Relief organizations say many donations of goods end up on a warehouse floor, while cash donations are much more effective because they can buy exactly what the victims need, when they need it.
The sheriff’s office post also cautions that it’s important to do some research before donating because there are many scams claiming to help Hurricane Harvey victims. Donations of money should be made to a reputable organization that is directly involved with the relief effort.
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