This is why the Red Cross worldwide encourages financial donations to help provide timely relief for disaster victims. Money is easily transmitted to the disaster area, as opposed to the thousands of dollars it can cost to ship goods. Money is sent to Red Cross organizations providing relief in the disaster area, and its use is carefully monitored by the organization. It does not go to governments. Money is spent in and around the disaster area, thus helping the economy of the disaster area to begin a recovery.
Money is used to buy exactly what is most needed by the disaster victims.
In the U.S., money is used to provide families a means to buy new clothing and basic household items, which is beneficial to their emotional well-being during a very low period. More than 117 years of providing disaster services has enabled the American Red Cross to develop a system of disaster relief that is the most efficient, cost effective and beneficial to victims of disaster. That system relies on the generous financial support of the American people.