Send Money?

[Joseph_Botwinick]

I keep hearing this message from those promoting Tsunami relief. Don't send food. Don't send clothes. Don't send stuff. Just send money. Why is that? Are they saying that people don't need food or clothes? Why must it be money? Wouldn't it be more helpful if Americans, or whoever sent food, clothes, medical supplies, volunteer labor? Why do those promoting Tsunami relief act as if they don't need any of this stuff, only money? Am I the only one who has thought about this?

Joseph Botwinick

 

[Karen]

It makes sense to me. Relief agencies already have supply and distribution mechanisms in place.
They know what kinds of food and supplies are needed. I could buy a bunch of stuff that looked good to me that might end up being worthless or lower in priority of need because I did not know the real situation.
Putting my own box together of stuff would be expensive to ship. Even if I knew where to ship it. Also relief agencies don't need to wade through piles of used stuff that somebody figures SOMEBODY ought to be grateful to get. Ever hear about the old-fashioned "missionary barrels"!

I sent money.

Karen

 

[Bookworm]

Suppose I decide to send 200,000 tongue depressors and 6000 tuxedos. They could probably eventually use those, but their immediate needs might be for other medical supplies and more suitable clothing, so to make it easier, they just ask for money.

 

[Joseph_Botwinick]

I sent money also. I have no problem sending money. I guess I just don't understand why they are so focused exclusively on money. What if some medical supply company wanted to donate supplies. Nope. Just send money. What if a bunch of contractors or even Ty Pennington wanted to donate some labor to help rebuild. Nope. Just send money. Do you see where I am going here?

Joseph Botwinick

 

[dianetavegia]

I seem to remember another relief effort explaining that these agencies can purchase new things for less than the cost of transporting used items.

 

[mountainrun]

diane, the new things must be transported the same as the used things.

I would advise everyone to make absolutely sure the charity you give to is legitimate.

Scams have no use for items, only money, and as always there are plenty of them taking advantage of this situation.

There are approved charities lists available.


www.give.org

www.guidestar.org


I'm sure you are all giving wisely though.

MR

 

[dianetavegia]

Used things have to be checked and sorted and even washed. Then they have to be reboxed and shipped. New items can be bought closer to the area and bought in bulk from companies who might cut prices. I believe I read that some shipping groups are shipping for free.

Hubby reminded me it was Samaritian's Purse that explained that some items could contain colors or styles that would offend. Items sent to New York could not have 'gang' colors, etc.

 

[superdave]

The cost of shipping, plus its much easier for them to get culturally appropriate food and supplies with money than to have to figure out what they can and cannot use.

 

[Ben W]

International money transfer works a thousand times better on a mission field, by paying people there and sourcing goods locally you are helping to rebuild the local economy.

 

[HankD]

On the darker side of things $$$ is the easier commodity to steal. Take for example the model philanthropic organization of this world, the UN, and the oil/food ripoff.

HankD

 

[Trapper]

Its shipping and taste. We don't understand the taste buds of the poeple we are sending to. One church here had someone donate a case of pork and beans. Can you imagine how much it cost to send that, and, pork for muslims? The missionaries can buy what's needed, they know what's best. Opps, I'm speaking as if you gave money through a Christian agency. If not, you've missed out on a great opportunity.
Trapper

 

[KeithS]

Oddly enough regarding sending medical supplies. A doctor in our church decided to take some early vacation time and volunteer for the relief effort. Our church gathered a team to work with local missionaries.

The doctor approached on of the local hospitals he works with to request some medicines. He said he expected to receive the customer $200 worth of supplies. Instead they gave him over $10,000 worth of medicines. Told him they were just waiting for someone to ask for them that could use them.

He had a great trip. Was able to minister to the physical needs of many and the relief team our church sent was able to discreetly share the gospel with many who were receptive.

While there they came across another group doing similar work who were breifly imprisoned and sent home for being to overbearing in sharing their faith with the local population.