10 Worst Things to Donate After a Disaster
Rescue and recovery organizations from around the world are pouring into the storm-battered Philippines, where Supertyphoon Haiyan, also known as Yolanda, inflicted widespread devastation.
Up to 10,000 people are feared dead in the aftermath of the storm, which made landfall on Friday as one of the worst on record in the typhoon-prone nation.
Many of us here in Qatar are sincerely willing to help in any way we can, but we should be careful about trying to not make matters worse.
Let me explain - I was a (trained) volunteer who working on the ground in Pakistan after the eartquake in 2005. Donations from around the world poured in, but unfortunately, some of it proved not to be very useful.
In that respect, I would like to share this list of the "10 worst things to donate after a disaster" - this list is just a guideline, since you should definitely respond to every credible request from reputed relief organisations:
- Used clothing - truckloads of used clothing always pour into recovery areas. When drivers are unable to locate organizations or warehouses willing to take the clothes, goods get dumped and cause more mess that then needs to be cleaned up.
- Shoes - there are cultural differences regarding shoes and other footwear. In other words, those shoeless flood victims might not need or want a pair of patent leather pumps.
- Blankets - while it's true that blankets are often critical in recovery efforts, they are seldom in short supply. However, if a relief organization asks for blankets, by all means follow their instructions.
- Teddy bears - many people feel that a gift of a teddy bear is the best way to provide comfort and healing to a community torn apart by tragedy, but this is not always the case.
- Medicine - There is really no reason for individuals to donate medicine or medical supplies to a disaster relief effort. And under no circumstances should you donate opened or unused medications.
- Pet Supplies - If you want to help animals during a disaster, don't send heavy bags of pet food and litter - rather donate to an organisation that has experience with this.
- Mixed items - I spent many hours in a warehouse in Kashmir, trying to sort through boxes of mixed items so that the right goods could be sent to areas that need them. This wastes valuable time.
- Canned food and bottled water - While it's true that disaster relief agencies always need nonperishable food and bottled water, individual collections are not the best way to provide those critical resources.
- Unsolicited Help - Well-meaning individuals who simply show up to help without prior contact with disaster management personnel can potentially hinder response and recovery operations.
- Money to the wrong people - The last thing you want is for your money to land up in the wrong hands. Best thing to do, is only donate to reputable charities that you trust, are well-known and respected.
