The Downside of Good Intentions: Why Charity Can Do More Harm Than Good

As a global entrepreneur, I’ve seen the best of humanity in times of crisis. Ever since I started my work after the Indian Ocean tsunami, I’ve never failed to be impressed by the generosity of people. The fact is that people do come together to support those affected by natural disasters or even wars, and it’s truly remarkable. However, the way people donate goods, such as clothing and shoes, can sometimes cause more harm than good.

Recently, multiple tornadoes hit the United States. As a result, it displaced many people and left them needing basic things like clothing and shoes. In turn, people donated shoes and clothing. But the missing piece in their efforts is proper organization and coordination. Unfortunately, as the founder of Funds2Orgs , I’ve seen this before where the generosity of people quickly becomes wasted, and then the public moves on to the next crisis.

How the public tries to help on its own.

After a natural disaster or crisis, it's not uncommon to see piles of clothing and shoes left outside emergency shelters or other donation locations. Again, these donations come with good intentions but little thought about who will get the items to those in need. The fact is that most people don't think about the logistics of it because they've never had to do it. I've spent years doing it with my shoe drive fundraising brand, Funds2Orgs.

For one, when people simply leave bags filled with clothes outside of shelters, who’s going to sort through all of the items? Emergency shelters are often run with volunteers, and if a location receives an influx of clothes and shoes, they might not have the people they need to sort the items properly. Second, these places have to figure out how to distribute the items. So, in many cases, people donate, a shelter doesn't have the capacity, and the donation remains in bags or gets redirected to, perhaps, the local homeless population.

The better approach for supporting those affected by natural disasters.

Again, I've been doing this work for years, and it's vital to have coordination when it comes to sorting, processing, and properly distributing the shoes and apparel. It's essential that the items, once sorted, get distributed fairly and equitably. So, people need to realize that instead of simply giving away clothing and shoes, they consider how they will make the impact they want to see.

That's why it's important to work with organizations that can coordinate support for those who experience natural disasters. You can also partner with organizations, like Funds2Orgs or Phill the Box , that allow you to collect shoes and clothing in exchange for a check. You can then use the funds and give the money directly to an organization, like the Red Cross, that's handling the logistics and aid to people affected by natural disasters in our country.

In both instances with Funds2Orgs or Phill the Box, you can create a fundraiser for any cause. Collect gently worn, used and new shoes for Funds2Orgs or fill the box with clothes your community no longer needs for Phill the Box, and both organizations will issue you a check. Then turn around and give that check to a nonprofit or organization coordinating logistics and support for people who experience a natural disaster—or any other cause.

Working with organizations like Funds2Orgs and Phill the Box can help ensure that donations are put to good use while avoiding the potential for waste. By turning used items into cash, these organizations can provide funding to support the immediate needs of those affected by natural disasters and long-term recovery efforts.

Money over donating shoes or clothing

The fact is that it’s more practical to donate money directly to organizations providing emergency relief rather than physical goods. Those on the ground know the needs of the people in specific locations. So, they need the flexibility to purchase clothing or shoes by using financial contributions in one town where there's a need for that and infant formula, clothing, and food in another location because of that specific need at that location.

The aftermath of natural disasters is chaotic, with many people wanting to help in any way they can. So, working with organizations to coordinate support and ensure that donations are used well is essential. By donating funds, people can support the immediate needs of those affected by natural disasters while also helping ensure resources get allocated in the most effective way possible.

By turning used items into cash, these organizations can provide funding to support the immediate needs of those affected by natural disasters. Moreover, they can also plan and work through long-term recovery efforts. So, let's work together to ensure our efforts to help those in need are as effective as possible.

?

?

? 2023 Wayne Elsey . All Rights Reserved.