Aaron,
Thank you for a complete and thorough explanation. I understand now and how the TV reporters comment sounds a little ‘off’ at the time. The reporter stated that only cash was being accepted, with no explanation (she’s new).
The Red Cross sponsored (provided space for) one of the (North Bay) ham radio clubs I used to belong to; that merge worked very well. We helped to provide communications for them during times of need (and maintained their radios for them). My exposure (at work) to the Red Cross was only after I was already back in quarters and the general presumption was that “it’s handled”. That’s a good reputation.
For what it’s worth, I have had first hand contact (via my former employment) with the Salvation Army. I have found them to be honest, upright people who want only to be of service. They even showed up at a fire I was working (without being called in) with their food truck (good sandwiches, coffee not strong enough, but they’re not used to firehouse coffee). They were friendly, gracious and caring. Church groups have also done a very good job at providing service to the communities; not surprising since I know of no religion that wishes to harm the poor (except the church of the almighty dollar).
My contacts with other agencies (primarily Goodwill Industries) have not been so favorable. My take is that they were in the charity ‘business’, not in charitable giving and fair distribution. Profit before giving; charging the needy for ‘help’; it’s outrageous, they should be publically flogged. Others may not agree, that’s fine; I’m sharing my experience.
I mention this not to attempt to sway your sharing (redirecting) with sister agencies, but for those that want to donate other than cash. The needs have never (in our lifetime) been greater; the time for giving is now. As with all things today, do your homework.
With no further commentary needed to the list (no charity wars) it is simply a reminder that it’s a good time (tax man cometh too) to give.
Rick
From: redcrosssfdisastermanager
Rick,
I wanted to take a moment to explain why we (Red Cross), for the most part, can only accept cash donations.
Following a disaster (like this fire), we focus on getting the most needed assistance to those affected as quickly as possible. Financial donations allow us to do just that. For example, we will arrange for a place for our clients to sleep that night (and for the next few nights), food to eat and clothes to wear. This assistance is given in the form of a Client Assistance Card that functions similarly to a credit or debit card.
Cash donations also allow us to purchase large quantities of goods to provide quality and consistent assistance.
Accepting donations of clothing or other small items require resources to sort, process, store and transport. This takes the focus of our workers off the goal of providing that immediate assistance. And there are often hidden costs and quality control challenges with processing the donated items.
One solution has been for us to identify a partner agency (i.e. Good Will, Salvation Army or a neighboring church) who does have the resources to handle those donated items. This partnership allows the Red Cross to focus on financial assistance and also provides an opportunity for the community to provide additional assistance in the form of donated items.
I hope that satisfactorily addresses your question.
Please feel free to contact me with any further comments or questions.
Regards,
Aaron Litwin
Regional Officer
American Red Cross
Bay Area Chapter
LitwinA@usa.redcross.org
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