tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054662799411670308.post5450788350083348924..comments2024-01-29T17:00:41.542-06:00Comments on Fighting Over the Card Catalog: BSC #44: Dawn and the Big SleepoverAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131169341020212043noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054662799411670308.post-26942889445742813552014-06-21T18:26:38.258-05:002014-06-21T18:26:38.258-05:00If I remember correctly, this book mentions having...If I remember correctly, this book mentions having to pay to ship the clothing and stuff over. If it doesn't, it should have. In most cases, the best way to help with a natural disaster or some other devastation like this is to send money to an approved organization that will then buy things locally, bringing the cost of shipping down to a stamp and an envelope plus helping the local economy.<br /><br />I knit and sew, and the above points are often discussed when people want to do something to help. And I totally get the urge: I can make something beautiful, useful, and from the heart and send it to people in need! But if everyone does that, then the people who need help end up with a bunch of knitted scarves and blankets but no underwear or clean water. <br /><br />Recently there was that terrible mudslide north of Seattle. There was a drive for physical things like clothing, blankets, and food at first, and some groups also auctioned off handmade things like quilts to raise money. But pretty soon it was "If you are inclined to donate, money is the most useful thing."<br /><br />Actual in-kind donations certainly have their place (last Christmas our playgroup "adopted" a family of six and gave them things they were wanting and needing), but often cold hard cash is best.SJSiffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00996362396265436534noreply@blogger.com