Donations, charities, my experience

So I spent a full day at a church today collecting donated clothes, foods, misc items like diapers, toiletries, etc. It was organized, people from one organization had contacts in an area that was severely affected. There were enough volunteers, we all were very lucky where we live nothing happened, so we felt good being there.

People were so happy to donate. Some were literally cleaning out their house and gave us 20 year old used toiletries and junk, which really should not be the case.

A couple of cars from our group were loaded up to bring needed items and once they got there they unloaded but were told don't bring more right now, we need construction items.

Another 3 cars went out later to another location (I went this time) and it was surreal how many people were there doing exactly what we were doing. The church auditorium was piled high with clothes, food, water, diapers, you name it. However, there were more volunteers and people donating and less actually coming to take stuff.

To be honest, when we drove around the people there (those that were cleaning their flooded homes) seemed like people who are not starving, yes they lost their homes but they *looked* like they have money, family, credit cards, cash, etc. They were happy to get the hot meals that were served outside of the church. But, they were not interested in the clothes that were donated.

The organizer at the local church gave us other locations that may be more in need, he said they have way more than they know what to do with. I'm not saying all our efforts won't help and I hope that the stuff gets dispersed and those who need it get it. I never like to donate money to large organizations like Red Cross cause a lot gets wasted and I know most people on this LIF like me want to donate to a place we know, especially since this is so close to home. However, now I know why cash donations help.

People did lose everything if their homes were flooded/went on fire it's just so hard to assess what we can do for their immediate needs. I dont' know what insurance/FEMA will do later to take care of them.

Please share if you KNOW someone that was severely affected what their needs are. My coworker was affected and aside from moral support there isn't much I can do for her.

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

Thank you for this!

Donations, charities, my experience

I think these charities need to go to the areas that are economically challenged to begin with, and the people will probably want the clothing. I have read that Mastic Beach was hit hard, and from the posts on various FB outlets, they need a lot, and aren't getting a lot.

Message edited 11/3/2012 7:58:33 PM.

Donations, charities, my experience

Was this American Martyers? I'm not sure if you were the one posting about their collection times yesterday or not. I collected a bunch of stuff today and was going to bring it there tomorrow....should I still do that?

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

Posted by stinger

Posted by jlm2008

Was this American Martyers? I'm not sure if you were the one posting about their collection times yesterday or not. I collected a bunch of stuff today and was going to bring it there tomorrow....should I still do that?

Yes, still do it! I don't mean to sound negative but I think I feel discouraged, more of like a survivors guilt. I want to see one family/person that I see on TV suffering, actually benefit from what I'm doing. I'm sure they will...and from what you are doing!!

Donations, charities, my experience

If anyone knows what is actually needed and where it can be brought would they please post it?

Unfortunately, my experience with collecting donations for various charities and disasters over the years is that too many people drop off junk. Old, stained or stinky clothes, worn out shoes, open bottles of personal products, filthy children's car seats. It's hard to believe, but more common than you would expect. Our local food pantry and clothing spot for those in need gets absolutely disgusting things all the time. God only knows why.

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

This is a pretty good list
http://gothamist.com/2012/11/03/sandy_donations_heres_what_people_n.php

Angnshaun told me the rockaways also needs work materials- gloves, garbage bags, shovels...

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

There are several NYC Housing Developments in Rockaway in addition to an extremely poor area that are in dire need of all sorts of things.

I am heading to Staten Island today because that is where I have a contact at one of the NYCHA developments there. I am only taking diapers, femine hygeine products, and food (breakfast bars, etc).

It is nice that people are donating so much, but it is a little gross what people donate sometimes!

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

I echo the lower income places can benefit.

It breaks my heart. There was a single mother on TV yesterday who had been in a shelter for awhile, before she finally was able to get an apartment somewhere, I think it was South Brooklyn.

Now that apartment is completely destroyed and she has to go back into a shelter.

I have a friend on FB who is from Broadchannel and she said right now they most appreciate hot meals being dropped off, cleaning supplies, tools, shovels, mops, brooms and stuff like that.

As someone who works in human services, I wonder what is going to happen to all those people who were in the Rockaways, basically because they were low income and that's where programs put them, since that's the main area where housing exists.

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

I have donated some items and want to volunteer my time tomorrow without having to travel too far. Ideas? I'm in westbury

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

I dropped off supplies in Freeport yesterday to go to Long Beach, and they said the biggest need they have is food that can be immediately handed out and eaten without power. We bought new, unused stuff and things that seemed the most useful-baby food, batteries, water, snacks,hand warmers, etc. and the staff running it were really appreciative and said it was all stuff that there was a need for. They were sorting other stuff, but they put everything we brought into a car to go to LB that day. They also needed coloring books, toys, etc. for kids that are coming there.

I think they are inundated with people's cast-offs, because well-intentioned people think that their half-used lotion from 10 years ago, is better than nothing. I know that they have a lot of clothes and things as well. That stuff is all useful, but immediate needs, as well as $$ and gift cards are probably best at this point.

Message edited 11/4/2012 11:21:37 AM.

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

I'm actually heading to Bellport now. Its a mixed bag of economics down there with mega wealthy by the shores and then a different story by Sunrise. Either way, I hope my items go to those in need.

Donations, charities, my experience

I think right now there are so many clothes being donated but people that lost their homes have no place to put new things. They take as they neeed. Yesterday where I was blankets, socks, and cleaning supplies were the most needed items. I think as people start rebuilding they will then need more clothes and stuff. It is frustrating since we have so much stuff to give. I will be concentrating on warm meals for folks in my area now

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

I understand why charities say money helps most. I helped sort donations. People gave bathing suits, tableclothes, summer clothes, Christmas decorations, etc.These are not things people need now.

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

Here is what we did today, and it was the most amazing experience ever...

I went to walmart and bought a bunch of food, wool hats, baby food, gallons of water, juice, granola bars, cereal etc. etc. etc. I made over 80 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
a friend that grew up here but now lives in ct (fan still here) made snack bags of gold fish for kids with peanut allergies... bought tons of apple slices bags, made another 30 pbj sandwiches and over 300 bottles of water.
another friend from high school, who donated yesterday to the freeport spot, dropped off more clothes and some food.
my aunt bought cleaning supplies, fresh fruit, juice boxes, bleach (was a HUGE hit) etc.
my sister in law loaded up on socks, hats, gloves, snacks and went to starbucks and got HUGE thing of coffee, milk, sugars cups etc.
another friend came who knew the area, needed to help and do something. Has family in the areas that have lost everything.

We headed to island park because from local feedback we are hearing that LB is getting a lot of supplies, but IP hasn't really been. We stopped at the firehouse to drop the clothing off, the canned goods and the baby food, also some kid books.

Then we hit the street... 2 cars full. just pulled up to people working on their houses, asking if they would like a hot cup of coffee (the biggest item!)... some toilet paper, anything we had we offered. people were floored, one guy said fema is here, that brought us all a little chuckle. its such a sad experience, but doing it with great friends, my husband, and family was one ill never forget. These people have lost everythingggg. it is unreal. they couldn't believe we were doing it just because, they were SO THANKFUL. So many took just a little because they didn't want to take from others who also needed it, and we had a TON. We had grown men with tears in their eyes... met a sweet 5 year old who had just the clothes on her back, and received so many BIG hugs while people sobbed thanking us for what we were doing. We will be back there as often as possible, and to the other areas as well. People are going to need our help for a long time to come.
Thank you to everyone is helping in any way they can.

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

The bottom line is everyone regardless of their economic status had immediate needs that we can help with just because they all lost everything they have in their home (material stuff).

Later on though, there are going to be those that have insurance reimbursement and those that don't. Those that get a lot of $$ and help from charities, special funds and other donors. Just like 9/11.

There are those that right now, have jobs, credit cards, relatives to stay with, savings accounts, etc. There are also that don't have any of the above. The 2nd catergory are the ones that will need more help later on.

Donations, charities, my experience

I can bring a large supply of cleaning goods on Wednesday, but the question is where? I had thought to try stopping at the firehouse in Lyndenhurst to ask, but I'd like to give to people who truly need it. I don't know the communities because I'm from way out east.

Message edited 11/4/2012 6:26:55 PM.

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

Posted by ElizaRags35

Posted by haveaquestion

I understand why charities say money helps most. I helped sort donations. People gave bathing suits, tableclothes, summer clothes, Christmas decorations, etc.These are not things people need now.

Why would anyone think that those items are needed??

Re: Donations, charities, my experience

My friend and I went to Raindew and Home Depot this morning and loaded up carts with buckets, push brooms, cases of Bleach, flash lights, flood lights, contractor bags, working gloves, masks, ponchos, socks, hats, scraves, gloves, tarps, duct tape.

Both stores gave us discounts on everything - we spent about $1000 out of our pockets and then drove to the Rockaways and dropped it all off.

They were very grateful for it all because people are trying to clean out what they can and need all this stuff.

Re: Donations, charities, my experience