There are good reasons why these small in-kind donations from individuals and families are not the best way to help disaster victims, even if they are given to a disaster relief organization. Many items are inappropriate, others not what is most needed and, unfortunately, some is too worn or dirty to be used. Many donations are small quantities, a bottle or two of aspirin, or leftover prescription medicines that should not be dispensed without a doctor's order. Others are outdated. Directions for use may be given in the wrong language.
Food is donated in small quantities, with no resources for packing.
Some is outdated, nutritionally inappropriate, even offensive to the religious beliefs of the victims. Water usually is donated in individual, flimsy plastic bottles rather than in cases. Bottles may be easily punctured and never reach their destination. What Happens to Random Donations Donations brought by caring people to locations that spring up in the community are deposited at the site, then may sit for days, even weeks, awaiting disposition. There are no resources to pack the donated items.