Don't donate 'stuff' in crisis's....send money instead!

[Debby]

Here's an interesting story about donations given after disasters. I don't think I've ever given clothing, usually money, but for those among us who have gone the donation route, apparently and for good reason, money donations are preferred.

'...In 2004, following the Indian Ocean tsunami, a beach in Indonesia was piled with used clothing.There was no time for disaster workers to sort and clean old clothes. So the contributions just sat and rotted.
"This very quickly went toxic and had to be destroyed," said Rilling. "And local officials poured gasoline on it and set it on fire. And then it was out to sea."
...'I think the article mentioned that after the Sandy Hook tragedy, they received 67,000 teddy bears!

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/when-disaster-relief-brings-anything-but-relief/

 

[Redd]

Donating used clothing is a "feel good" way to clean out your closet and kid yourself you are helping out the cause.

Money is always the better choice.

And if you feel the need to clean closets then give something you yourself would wear but are just tired of or it simply does not fit anymore.Donate that stuff to a local thrift shop so shipping is not involved.

 

[Kitties]

I have heard some of the big thrift stores do ship things overseas. Not sure. I donate to our wonderful PAWS thrift only. Anything in bad shape like a stained t- shirt type top makes good rags.

That's a sad story of what happened to those clothes and the environment.

 

[Guitarist]

I have donated clothes to local women's shelters where they are given to people who need them. I donate things to thrift stores sometimes too, but those places SELL the clothes and other items. The shelters give them away, so I would rather give to them.

The only disaster-donation programs I have heard of in recent years ask people to go to Walmart or other local stores and buy new things and donate those, the stores even have big corrals in the front for you to put the things you've just bought. Those were fairly local crises, too, e.g., for victims of local tornadoes.

 

[Debby]

Donating used clothing is a "feel good" way to clean out your closet and kid yourself you are helping out the cause.

Money is always the better choice.

And if you feel the need to clean closets then give something you yourself would wear but are just tired of or it simply does not fit anymore.Donate that stuff to a local thrift shop so shipping is not involved.

It sounds like (from the article) lots of people clean out their closets and give it to a crisis. Like who would give high heels and a prom dress to people who've been devastated by an earthquake?

 

[Ruthanne]

It sounds like (from the article) lots of people clean out their closets and give it to a crisis. Like who would give high heels and a prom dress to people who've been devastated by an earthquake?

That's kind of funny when you think of it!!

 

[Redd]

Debby, About those prom dresses. Where I am there is a group that collects and distributes to those girls who could not otherwise afford a prom dress. Let's face it, those expensive dresses are usually only worn once.

 

[Debby]

That's a great idea isn't it. Once worn prom dresses going to girls who want to go to prom but simply can't afford to dress up for that once in a lifetime event! That was a good idea.

 

[Guitarist]

Some friends of mine bought a beautiful prom gown for their daughter at a thrift shop years ago. I hear those things cost a fortune new and, as Redd said, are often worn only once.

 

[Shutterbug]

I have donated clothes to local women's shelters where they are given to people who need them. I donate things to thrift stores sometimes too, but those places SELL the clothes and other items. The shelters give them away, so I would rather give to them.

The only disaster-donation programs I have heard of in recent years ask people to go to Walmart or other local stores and buy new things and donate those, the stores even have big corrals in the front for you to put the things you've just bought. Those were fairly local crises, too, e.g., for victims of local tornadoes.

I agree with you. My job requires me to be in contact daily with lots of law enforcement officers and I just talked to one the other night about donating baby clothes and diapers to our local women's shelter. My grandson is growing so fast that his clothes look like new and they got so many diapers at the shower that they have several unopened boxes of disposable diapers that are too small for him. The officer said if I bring the stuff to him he will deliver it to the shelter and said these items can definitely be used. Remember, many women flee abusive homes with the clothes on their back, and often with children. The shelter, at least here, appreciates whatever they can get to help these women out. That being said, I agree that donated clothes shouldn't be worn out, stained items nobody would want.