When asked to donate I always ask where the money ends up-

when the tsunami hit in '05 and then the hurricane in Haiti- I was asked to give. I said- I know we have children in the US that go to bed hungry and don't have shoes. I need to help them first. There will be a lot of help for the natural disasters, but we need to help our children.

I volunteer with AFSP- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It's a difficult subject to talk about but its serves a need- just like awareness groups for diabetes, cancers, etc. I researched it before getting on board- I want to be sure what they provide is good info. I feel comfortable giving money to them as I've seen the benefit of the programs they provide.

Just remember when you're giving money to be sure the charity is legitimate and the money will get to its intended end use.

Barb

What gets me is they ask for cash donations and will send a t-shirt, a bag, a magazine subscription, etc., all free? I think not!

A quilt could last for many years keeping someone warm. Bottles of water will be gone in a heartbeat. I do not donate money, but I can donate my time. ;-)

A quilt will last alot longer and be way more useful than money.

because some think the quilts will be well received and are needed..not always the case..as with the money you never know where the quilt really ends up..until you see one day on ebay!

The $$ however if given to the right hands can provide, gas for a person to get to work, shoes, clothing, tampons....just ask anyone who has actually survived a natural disaster and they will tell you...give the money to a local church that might be doing a mission run to that area..or the Lions club...there is always an organization heading into the area to help where needed..give them $20 for gas money to get there!

Sometimes when we give money only a small amount gets to the cause.

I'd rather give money then quilts to a disaster area need. The last thing when you lose your house and all belongings is wishing for a quilt.

I contribute generously to the Salvation Army for disaster relief. I wasn't aware if they were involved in Japan but I did contibute to New Zealand, Haiti, New Orleans all at the time of their disasters in the past 8 or 10 years. They have a very limited overhead, experience in dealing with that type problem and the people involved are dedicated to a life time of service for very little salary. I've worked with them directly as criminal defense lawyer. They got all my drunks who were placed on probation and I knew they would never make it. I sent them so much work I was invited to have lunch at the shelter every year and I know their dedication and sacrifice.

I think a gift of a quilt is a gift of love. We want to comfort and console and reach out. We can feel that when we gift a quilt. 20$ doesn't feel like it can do much and there's always the concern of how much will reach those in need.

I think this thread really gets to the heart of the whole charity/gift giving thing - is it about the giver or the recipient? I remember after Katrina, people wanted to send food, blankets, clothes, whatever, and the agencies involved just needed cash.
Someone else said in another thread, it takes a lot of work and manhours to sort non-cash donations and get them to the right people. In a giant disaster that is impractical.

Now on a smaller scale, if someone local lost their home, or whatever, a handmade quilt would be a nice donation, once they are set up in a new place.

I think some times the giver wants to give for their own reasons and does not think of the recipient. Like when the Marines or Sal. Army collects toys at Christmas, they ask for new toys. You always hear some (Grinch) asking, Well why can't I donate my kids' used toys?


edited to add - I get what people are saying about sending money and you don't know where it goes. CharityNavigator website is very good for finding out this info. And NEVER give to anyone who calls you on the phone. Only give to charities you are very familiar with.