This method usually allows the donor to declare a tax deduction. Donating Supplies and Equipment Donated supplies and equipment are a mainstay of many relief operations. The key is to be able to collect only needed items. Useless items only waste transportation costs and become a burden to the recipients. Dialogue with the people on site or with other appropriate personnel is essential to proper planning.
Worthwhile equipment is generally low-tech, durable, repairable and in good condition.
Appropriate educational material and textbooks can be useful to medical relief projects. Unfortunately, most medical books focus on the problems of developed countries. Most of the more third world relevant material is published in Europe and is a little harder to find in North America. Again knowing just which items to send usually requires direct communication with on-site personnel. If you would like help collect and donate items, but are not currently hooked up with an organization, you may wish to contact some of the following organizations that work in this field .