"It's a nice thought, but a global shortage of TB drugs continues to threaten thousands of lives in many developing countries."

But is it not also nice to send bears? This article doesn't identify risks for each Western donation mishap and I really wish there had have been more attention devoted to helpful alternatives. As it is, it seems like the intent is to poke fun at well-meaning donors. I'm not sure why it made the top story slot.

I have been donating about 8% of my income to charity for a while now, mainly to the large NGOs. I was always bothered by careerism in the aid organisations as well as their practice of engaging in QUIPs (quick impact projects) rather than larger civil projects that might actually help these regions out of poverty.

I am very mindful of the fact that China has done more to lift sub-Saharan Africa out of poverty than the NGOs have done in the last fifty years. Still, it seems as though when there is some terrible crisis the only form of support that people have are the NGOs. They probably do their best work in emergencies, when people desperately need vitals, but the rest of the time they probably just distort the local economies.

Anecdotally, I am well aware that local merchants mark things up considerably when dealing with western NGOs. A pound of beans that was worth $1 might change hands for $2. Good news for the merchant but bad news for local people that have to compete with the purchasing power of the aid orgs.

I assume your criticising tone with regards to donations from developed countries comes from a conviction, that satisfying the basic and most urgent needs such as nutrition, right to healthcare or feeling of safety should come first and foremost.
That is in indeed true, and we should be educating the donors-to-be about the right ways of doing it.
However.
Children do need teddy-bears and toys, as everyone who remembers their childhood would agree. Why should we deny that to the children of poorer countries? And I'm sure the little girl was thrilled to received the sandals as showed in picture 5.
There is no denying that clothing is necessary. And who cares it has Obama printed on it, when it it's doing its task?
Some organisations try to provide food, shelters, medicines. Others try to help satisfy the less dire needs. Both are equally
needed.

Oh, and. Yoga mats DO make very good bedding material.

Donations such as those in the above pictures are necessary. I see floods each year and homeless people suffer because of that. Had some organization donated yoga mats, they would have suffered less. We donate old cloths to flood victims and I have observed those clothes being helpful.
Having said that, our emphasis should be on long term help. An attempt to help destitute people so that they can be independent themselves is necessary. I feel bad to read about the yellow food packets dropped. They may have helped immediately, but how long can we continue to drop those packets. Distributing packets along with programs to help local farmers would have been more effective. Moreover, it would be economical in the long run. Desert farming is one effective techniques that farmers could be taught.
I understand its easier to comment than to work, but organizations need to look in to the welfare of people in the long term while also providing immediate relief.

But I love Pop-Tarts. I would burn my own house down for a years supply of Pop-Tarts. Well, blueberry and strawberry ones. Those brown sugar or chocolate ones are nasty.

I live in Sonoma. The Yoga Mat episode is typical of our cousins in SF and Marin.

The main reason they donated these isn't to help the Haitians, but to make them feel better about themselves. So they can claim to be compassionate and environmentalist while driving their Land Rovers, sipping their $5 lattes, and planning for next year's Burning Man.

Given the rare ineptitude, inefficiency and inadequacy of international aid to Haiti (even in this day and age of institutionalized stupidity and wishful thinking: introducing a cholera epidemic and not cleaning it up permanently, no permanent housing construction to speak of and no economic development after almost a year), it might be more appropriate for Foreign Policy to do an 11-snapshot review of SUCCESSFUL on-the-ground projects there.

Especially those dealing with urban housing and economic development in Port-au-Prince. You know, so we private contributors out here don’t throw our hands up in despair after hours of fruitlessly combing through the Internet for valid projects to send real dollar, real charity checks to?

Or is that also “administratively unmanageable?”

Sometimes unfortunate things happen and people need help. However, when someone begins to rely on it for long term support, there is a problem. Charity is to help people so they can help themselves, it is not to make them lazy. As always, there is a balance to things.
Give a man a fish feed him for a day , teach a man to fish feed him for life .

Really Haiti need to know how to do fishing not to give fish.. at last same words from PETERD "Give a man a fish feed him for a day , teach a man to fish feed him for life ."

thanks you

Best Regards
Registry Cleaner Freeware Dot org

I am disgusted to read and view this incredibly shallow "analysis" of donating used clothing to people in need.

The atuors only really make one point: the donation of material goods might hurt local people that make that item. Of course.

But if it does compete with local business, that also shows the items are economically desired.

I find it very sad that the authors choose to belittle acts of compassion. The fact that people want to help is wonderful and amazing.

If you want to enlighten people as to why their donations are hurting, give us more than "but perhaps at the expense of the vibrant clothing industries in countries such as Kenya." Give us some facts, some figures, some case histories of people actually affected. And give us both sides - the merchants than benefit, as well as the ultimate users of those t-shirts and yoga mats. Do they think it was a bad idea?

By the way, selling an item for $2.00 that you bought for $1 is a standard markup for many, many retail businesses.

And give us better alternatives.

Touchy image
In a world of which half of the population is starving, I wouldnt be so cynical
regarding gifts in kin.
Believe me, as an infertility doctor I have seen too much.

Good people try to do what they are "able" to do when there is a crisis and what do they get for their efforts? 11 pages of why they should send money and not things. Money, so the local economies don't have to compete with free goods entering the country. Money so they can buy locally. "...donated clothing imports tend to cannibalize local production of goods."

Many who want to do 'something' have very little money and attempt to offer help in what little ways they are able, yet they get chastised for doing what they can? Sure, donations of winter coats to a desert region and the like are foolish and inappropriate donations are a waste of everyone's time.

This article has left me dumbfounded and a bit upset.

Using the argument provided here, the U.S. should put an end to The Salvation Army, Goodwill, DAV, and especially those awful shelters who take in goods to be given away for free. All of this going on is hurting our locate merchants and it has to stop! From now on only donations of money will be accepted so these poor people can enrich their local businesses like Wal-mart instead. After all, these free goods are really cutting into this country's GDP!

What a twisted analogy.

This is a bunch of non-sense. The generosity of the American people is unprecedented. When the average American is struggling to make ends meet, and they still want to help the rest of the world should be commended! This article is saying that all these items (except for the clowns) are better suited to be in a landfill than on the backs of kids who have no shirt. That's foolish. Donating money I'm sure produces great results, but that money can and does get funneled to places and entities that its not meant for. At least the superman t-shirt you know a war lord is less likely to take advantage of! For all the anti-corporation babble right now, this encourages you to give money to companies in other countries to support their business efforts. Talk about hypocritical!!

There needs to be a campaign for what Haiti does need. I have worked with homeless in Atlanta often and I understand that the needs of the poor are constantly changing. The homeless constantly request different items from me and those that have gone with me to bring them supplies. Often times I bring them a necessity item they asked for just weeks before and someone had already brought them that item between my visits. I have a surplus amount of toothbrushes and toothpaste lying in the back seat of my car based on such occasion. Yes, they need things like towels, tampons, soap, toilet paper.. but often time these items run out fast. Why not we deliver them excess food such as pop tarts because no one in america would ever eat that much but at the same time try to help others be knowledgeable about what is actually needed. You can never give enough. Never.

I just registered so I could leave a comment on this article. What utter crap that has been written. So instead of people donating items they no longer have a need for we should throw them out and give money instead? Whom are we giving money to?? How many "reputable" charities misappropriated funds meant for good use such as the post 9/11 and others. It seems totally ridiculous to write such a baseless article encouraging people NOT to donate items that they no longer use. All these pictures depict happy people who are gracious for items of clothing and whatever else was donated. It is also irresponsible to write an article and not even put the authors name.

It only hurts the local economy if the people receiving the items were going to buy from someone local and then didn't because they got it for free... but I would hope most charities are trying their best to deliver to people who can't do tha, so that someone who can't buy from someone local won't go shirtless or bedless because that's what was going to happen. Just my opinion, but I think any donation is a good thing. What a messed up article to down people on their charitable givings. I don't believe these charities are the reason these countries are in the conditions they are in. Keep giving people :D

The picture that is with Teddies for Tragedies...has nothing whatsoever to do with that program...the box that those children are opening are delivered to them via Operation Christmas Child which is a wonderful organization that is a part of Samaritan's Purse, run by the son of Rev. Billy Graham.
I fail to see what TB being a world wide issue has to do with children wanting the positive affirmation of receiving teddy bears, candy, toothbrushes and so on....let's not just try to enflame people with this.
Yes...fight TB and other diseases...but don't discourage people from being charitable in any way that they feel led.

Whoever wrote this article is a fool! either some poshy silver spoon I dont care I got money let me write a check ( something Not everybody can do!!!) Or this person is text booking ( meaning there to young & short on life expierences to know better & most of there info on how life should be is read based on anothers) or worse.. Both! 1 By the time the money reavches the people its been dipped into mulit times 2 some folks may not have money to send but do have clothes they have out grown. 3 sending actual products v.s cash for one makes it easier to pitch as a fundraiser but most important insures the people in need will actually get something... do you know may 3rd world countries have more guns & ammo then Food?! I dont know about the rest of you but I feel better knowing theres clothes & shoes on a childs back & food in there tummy even if it is just pop tarts ( which we all know the author here dug for the best pictures in hopes of disgracing) I hope your foolish article doesnt prevent donation.. sad but true many wont donate if they feel embarressed or as if there dontations are not needed. Those who can provide medical aid and cash do and those who can donate items do. DID you really think this article was somehow going to promt those who havent sent cash to send cash? why do you think they havent? foolish foolish... oh & when you stop treating a child like a child you know like with comforts of teddy bears.. you force them to grow up which leads to illegal actions in these places. children need to remain children, get educated so they can be the difference not just add to the problems.

undermining local merchants and country? are you kidding me? You ever been to impacted areas? people in the impacted areas need everything, not just money. If they had money they wont have problems buying things from the merchants, now would they? These people are below poverty. Either they lost everything or they had nothing.
There are too many organizations, which the funds are mismanaged or mishandled(in their pockets) instead of going to those in need. Every year i look at CFC( Combined Federal Compaign), which shows 90% of the charity organizations in the world, but also shows their spending and how much actually gets used for the causes.. I have seen too many with overhead or operating cost of 80%+.
This article should say,"Give us your money so we can pocket some"
Please next time go do some research before writing garbage like this.

Charles Kenny in "Haiti Doesn't Need Your Old T-Shirt," this kind of aid ends up undermining the local economy rather than helping it.

F this guy, this is a bunch of BS. This has to be the worst spin ever put on a story.

Bottom line, if what we send helps devastated people, it's a good thing. I'm not certain how helping people who don't have anything to being with is going to undermine their economy. If the people needed help don't have anything to start with, giving them something that helps them survive is a top priority. Survive first, then worry about the economy.

This article is promoting the idea of sending dollars instead of goods to charities. Guess what, that's the worst option out there, those "charities" end up spending more of their money on "administrative" expenses to fly around their top execs. in private jets and drive them around in Mercedes or Land Rovers, than they do helping the people.

I'd rather send something I know won't be exploited by these "charitable" characters.

Mike

It's funny; the people wearing and using the items donated by our giving country don't seem to mind what they are or where they came from. By the looks on their faces it seems like they are grateful for the things we are able to send them. These are the people that need the items we send, I say keep sending America. Because incase some people in this world haven't noticed we're not exactly in the position to be sending billions of $$Dollars$$ to help people right now. When America does send money, most of the money is hoarded by the countries leaders and never ends up going towards helping the citizen's of the country. That's just how I see it anyways!!!

I dont know in witch world you live, but my world doesnt include free ride with my money. And anybody who is fool enought to send money deserve to be a fool...... I spend more than 20 years in a Search, Rescue and disaster team, volunteer for the Red Cross and Mission Field, and I can say without doubt in my mine and I can proof that money never go to where is suppose to go, only goes to the pockets of leaders, military, government, and any one smart enought to put his hands it, an we give ti freely........ And people think you helping, yes to make rich the ones who dont care about the victims. I live it all around, and I learn very young that to make a diference , I donate my time and my skills and yes toys, and clothing and food that they really need, but I make sure , that the really needy people get it. So try to fool yourself and lie to honest people who send things with open heart, Dont send money, because is going to be use for something else, and that is a fact...and if you can , make sure these people got it, just to mention one example, not saying where or who, but after a hurrican in a feoreign country hit, we send a lot of Brand new clothes, shoes, blankets, appliances in trucks, we delivery and the organization on charge came in the middle of the night, pick up the new stuff (to made benefit sale) they choose the best and leave the used stuff, we spend the next week delivering used things to victims, the rest, some body else benefit ( even food and medical kits were selling in some business, still with the red cross loge and other associations) Workers and even nurses, and nuns show up to work the dollowind days with branded tennis shoes, jeans and boots, that where mean to be for VICTIMS....I let you think about this, nexxt time you want to help, do it right.......

You know, I am really getting sick and tired of people who think they are some type of experts or authorities on how others should give or do their part to "save Mother Earth". One minute, these people are telling us to donate and recycle old items in order to cut down on the waste we as "awful Americans" produce, but as soon you try to donate or recycle an item, they come up with some sort of excuse of why they can't accept it... solution: take it back home or to the dumpster. Now, I am not for donating all your unwanted junk, but if you're moving, or have to convert a room in your home for another purpose, you will have extra items you no longer need, but can be a benefit to someone else.

And in this article, they had the nerve to suggest clothing donations hurt the local textile and clothing markets? Are any of those local markets donating goods to children walking around barefoot in tattered clothes? Even if these markets were in the position to help the local poor, I seriously doubt they would. So, Super Bowl T-Shirts with the wrong team to the rescue!

Now, to really put the icing on the cake, they make the argument that we should be send money rather than goods, but how many of these third-world countries are being run by corrupt governments that make sure that the people who are truly in need never see a dime go towards medical care, food, or education? Give me a break! For now on, rather than consider a charity, I am taking my unwanted but good items to the local flea market to make money off of them.

Aren't a lot of these places lacking the economic infrastructure to produce their own goods? So who cares if clothing is donated? Isn't that better than perfectly wearable items going in the garbage? Then the writer says that money is needed & not old clothes. Wow, I don't think anybody had any idea that financial support would be of any benefit! You know what, you arrogant prick, not everyone has extra cash to send so I think the fact that any kind of donation is being made at all should be commended especially considering there's enough people in our own country that go without. Why don't you talk about the fact that some of the cash donations that have been made have been used to build churches instead of homes &, as reported in an episode of Frontline, pay for the preacher to have a brand new Ford SUV with leather interior! They make the title of this sound so snotty but I, for one, would much rather sleep on an old, yoga mat instead of the dirt. At first I was expecting to read a list of completely useless & frivolous donations but I wouldn't describe any of this as frivolous. And what is so wrong with trying to bring a little joy to a child's life with clowns, crayons, & teddy bears? Doesn't Allstate currently give a teddy bear to the children victims of natural disasters in America? I had next to nothing growing up & was forced to wear my mother's old, over-sized clothes to school. A teddy bear I received from a family member on Valentines Day when I was nine was my most cherished possession because it gave me comfort. Maybe the donations to these countries aren't enough but at least it's something! We get ripped for giving & ripped for not giving enough - there is no winning.

I can only speak for the disasters I've worked on which include 2 hurricanes and a major flood. In each case, people sent so much clothing that it eventually became a hazard, we had no place to put it all. Within just 1 week in one disaster we had a ton - literally - of clothing. Most was just dumped off in paper bags. They got wet, muddy, eventually moldy. But even the stuff that was usable was 50% pretty awful stuff. Holes, stains. We had to be careful the way we spoke to "contributors" but we tried to say hey, this is not a dropoff for your garbage which is what most of the clothign was. Stuff people didn't want or couldn't wear any more. People who've lost everything need clothes to go to work in, or keep warm in. It's not snobbiness to ask that you give them something YOU would wear yourself instead of that ripped up dayglo sweatsuit. It's called CHARITY for a reason.

On the other hand, we could've used yoga mats to sleep on in the damp warehouse we worked out of and used them for animals to sleep on as well. The shelter floors get cold & damp when the power is out.

Can someone elighten me on how a person too poor to buy clothes anyway, is hurting the economy by accepting a free one during a disaster or anything else for that matter. I'd be very careful in the future writing an article such as this without CAREFULLY CONSIDERING THE CONSEQUENCES. My old shirt should be fine for someone who doesn't have the opportunity in life to pay for everything they need. And to tell me the Pop Tarts ended up on the Black Market shows just how stupid the countries giving the donations really are. In America's case, we dropped it off with a military escort, why not distribute it with a military escort ensuring that eveyone, not the biggest, strongest, or equipped get the lion's share.

Poking a stick at American companies and citizens for giving aid is not useful. Yes, those shirts say Chicago Bears won the Super Bowl. So what? If the people there had the money for brand new shirts, they'd not need clothing donations. Your contention that it surpresses the local economy has no backing as the net value lost during disasters surpasses the local aid. If people can give money that spurs local construction and economies, great. Otherwise those people seem verry happy to have a shirt on their back, shoes on their feet, Pop Tarts in the tummy and a teddy bear to comfort them. Considering there are areas of the USA that could use that aid, snarking at donors for these items is poor form and more lazy "journalism". Why not interview the recipients and local leaders for their thoughts on American donations? Too lazy, that's why.

Other countries don't want food or clothing or bedding or any "things" because they (the people who dole the things out to whomever they determine are deserving) can't very well put "things" in thier own private bank account and deny ever receiving it.
"Poo" on the people who are actually in need of things, (like the little children receiving shoes and teddy bears). They want cash because it isn't traceable.

Give money and not supplies, do you really think americans are that stupid. We are tired of being taken advantage of and most of the money donated will go to these 3rd world governments and rich politicians who will not help anyone but themselves. I think it is a wonderfule gesture these organizations are doing. I donate items before money unless I know exactly who it is going to.

I have never commented on any post blogs or anything like this before. But i just cant believe that you would even publish something as ridiculous as this article. How could sending shoes to kids who are shoeless be a "Misguided" act? How can donating clothes to people who are have none to place on there backs bad? Sending boxes of crayons and teddy bears to kids who are dying of a disease wasteful? This is just worthless journalism and some reporter looking for something to write about. How about this go travel there and ask them if they need these things and take them back if they don't and maybe go sleep on the ground with them instead of in your five star hotel ordering room service then jumping on your plane and flying away. I know if i had to sleep on the ground i would much rather sleep on a yoga mat then the dirt. Try this go sleep in the dirt tonight in your backyard and let me know how you feel in the morning!

I have never made a comment before. However, I think that we are looking at this as if those who are getting these items are the ones who are making these comments. I don't think that this is the case. When you look at the photos these people are happy and greatful for the things that are given to them. The watchdogs are the ones who say they need help and when people try to give help its wrong because its not in the form of money. We have to keep in mind that those who are in need are those who will show up. That is even here in the United States. People with money do not go stand in line for donations. Now maybe those who are sending the donations are not on the up and up about why they are making the donations but who cares. As long as someone can use what ever is being sent to them is it really bad.
If those people could go to the market and buy new things they would not be standing around looking for a hand out. Give them some credit. Just because you are poor does not make you dumb.

i don't know about everyone else, but I for one am not comfortable with donating money to aid disasters. To many times our money isn't given to those that need it. How can we know money will provide the aid in which we give it for . I know if I give them clothes and food in most cases they will recieve it because honestly what are the chances someone will keep those items for there own use what reason would they have for a pair of shoes or a shirt I sent . Money on the other hand how do I know it will go to wear it is needed.Maybe it selfish, but I donate for immediate use I can not help thier economics that's the government job. I give what I can

Slide 6 does NOT depict "Teddies for Tragedies!" It shows children opening their Operation Christmas Child gifts that were purchased and packed in shoeboxes by individuals and then shipped to needy children around the world by Samaritan's Purse. I know that because I have donated many gift boxes, myself, for the last 10 years, and I recognize the boxes and the OCC logo printed on them. If you go to www.samaritanspurse.org you can find out about the exemplary work done by this fine organization: providing emergency food and clean water, livestock, medical care and rebuilding homes and schools, along with so many other life-saving projects. Read about their World Medical Mission, Children's Heart Project, Haiti Rebuilding Program, HIV/AIDS and cholera programs. . .There are countless ways to donate your time, energy, talents or money to those in desperate need around the world. They don't just provide jugs of water; they dig village wells. They don't just provide cartons of food; they give livestock to provide meat, eggs and dairy products for years to come. And the shoeboxes? They are just one small way to send some love to children in need. The notes and photos they send back have shown me that those little shoeboxes sometimes make a huge impact on their young lives. Do yourself a favor and find out how you CAN make a difference, and that Americans are not the thoughtless, selfish people this article would like you to believe they are.

Not sure why, but the picture used to talk about the mission "Teddies for Tragedies" is actually another mission altogether called "Operation Christmas Child" by Samaritan's Purse . The log on the shoe box in the picture is their logo and this operation uses shoe boxes, which they fill in order to give children Christmas gifts.

Not sure if a this was done on purpose to prove two points or if this is just a result of bad reporting???

The author proved a point when it mentioned Pop Tarts being sold on the black market. The point being corruption of donations.
And as far as the losing team on the t-shirts, should the manufacturer thrown them out, written them off as a loss and then donated designer tees?
If I have access to teddy bears, which corrupt governments don't deposit into their account, but don't have $$$, which won't go to the gen pop., why not give them to children? Their emotional needs are just as important as their physical.
If giving poor people clothing and shelter is bad for their economy, then why not give us some facts and viable figures to prove it? We already have plenty of proof of corruption of monetary donations.

Very good article. But I think some posters are taking this the wrong way. Yes it definitely is better to sleep on a yoga mat than on the ground. I think what the gist of the article is saying, is that just dumping your old stuff that you were going to through out otherwise isn't thoughtful help to people in need and sometimes isn't that wise. Obviously if people can't afford dresses than giving them a dress is good. But if people can get a dress for free whereas they would otherwise have bought from a local producer, helping that communities economy, than that is not good.

The author makes a good point, sometimes the best way you can help out is giving money to organizations you know are going to put it to good use. It might not give the donor as much of a warm fuzzy feeling as giving some a teddy bear, but you have to ask yourself, is this all about the donor feeling good, or the person in need getting the support they need.

If you really want to feel a sense of sacrifice donate something that you DON'T want to give a way, that is true charity.

My boyfriend is from Afghanistan, and believe me they are grateful for most anything. Most of them have nothing compared to us. It is hard to fathom, it is just something a person has to witness firsthand to understand.

I know that countries need different kinds of aid, but don't undermine pop tarts and yoga mats. They will be used, and appreciated even if it is not the only things they may need.

They don't have the food choices we do, nor do they have welfare or governmental assistance. They will eat the food, unless it goes against their religion, and they will use the yoga mats to sleep on. Don't take this article as the bottom line on giving!

First, Whoooo Hoooooo to the humans who can see past their own daily going-ons and GIVE to someone they don't even know.

It's in giving that you receive....and now some journalist is trying to steal our joy. Nice.

I've never commented on an article before either.
I'm not going to repeat what the rest of you have said, but "well said".

Not only do I disagree, but this article has mislabeled photos.

For example, Photo number 6 is not Teddies for TB, it is a photo of Children opening "Operation Christmas Child" boxes from Samaritan's Purse (an awesome charity which reaches out to give a simple Christmas gift to a child who might not otherwise get a Christmas gift- In New Orleans area alone in 2010; folks donated 12,104 shoe box gifts. Samaritan's Purse delivers them to over 100 countries. It's a terrific charity. Especially if you are a person of faith and want to share that with others.

There is never anything wrong with "giving" to those in need. Someone will find a use for our junk. One man's junk is another man's treasure.

Keep Giving.

This might be the dumbest thing I will hear all year. The purpose of charity is to give to the needy. The thought that Americans undermine the local economies by taking away business that would not exist anyway is ludicrous. You state that sending shoes to 3rd world countries takes away from the local profit margin. If this is true then we should shut down Toys for Tots because they should buy their own toys and contribute to the American economy. Oh yeah, they don't have any money. That being said the GDP of a country is not affected by people that would not normally buy anything not buying anything. When you donate a teddy bear to a children's ward in a hospital the kids would rather have there health but you don't have that so you give what you can. But your logic would have the kids without their health or a teddy bear so the gift shop MIGHT make a sale. The point of charity is to improve lives. It might not be the way you want but it is usually the best way people know how.

If you asked anyone who has ever recieved a donation of these sorts, they would tell you how grateful they were. Keep in mind this report is about certain individuals views on these donations and not from anyone who has ever been in the situation where help is needed. It is easy to sit back and criticize how everyone else is doing everything wrong.

As a donor, I would much rather know that what I have donated actually made it to someone in need. What I mean is, with most "nonprofit" organizations asking for money donations, you will see the phrase, ? portion of the proceeds go to ? charity. What the heck is that. If I donate $1.00 only part of that will actually make it to where I wanted the whole dollar to go. In the meantime the founders of the "nonprofit" organization is living in a million dollar home driving around in a Cadillac. If i donated a teady bear, I doubt it would be missing it's arm when it arrived.

It is more meaningful to give from the heart. Any cash donation is a profit in someones pocket.

seems like somewhere along the line somebody would decide what is 'n isn't appropriate or useful in a given situation ----- instead of pointin' the finger at the donor -- sayin' "how stupid of you to donate such a thing" ------ how would i know

I thought i was the only one outraged by this slideshow....NO alternatives are given? Let's just criticize the people who are trying to make a difference in thier own way but arent sending "TB medication". Really? I'm sorry, but [GASP], I dont frickin' have TB medication to send!!!! Get real - this article is ridiculous, and I hope it doesnt deter people from charitable giving in the future.

Instead of critising donations of goods versus money, interview the reciepients of the donations. If you think the governments or leadership in most developing countries distribute funds or purchase needed medications and supplies, think again. Who accounts for all of the funds given to agencies like the American Red Cross? Obviously the writer of this article has never faced any hardship! If you lost everything you owned in a tornado, fire or other devastation, it is very welcome for someone to hand you a Super Bowl T shirt, yoga mat, pair of shoes and even a pop tart!! While you wait for weeks, months or even years for something from your government.

You might want to consider the problems of redirection.
One the one hand, money (but not yoga mats) will go missing and not get to the intended recipient.

On the other hand, the underclass repurposes surplus stuff. Tee shirts become fiber become paper. Yoga mats become roofing. And other things, we haven't thought of yet.

You really might consider having a crowdsource editor. Just do a follow up article for all of your listings but include the comments (with fact checking). I am, of course, volunteering

Wow, there is a lot of vitriol in these posts. So let me return some of that back to you, you are ALL MISSING THE POINT. Yes the poor of developing countries will appreciate your old stuff that you were going to throw away anyways. And I am sure that children in a village destroyed by a Tsunami will like the teddy bear they receive from an aid organization. But what everyone hear seems to be saying is "I want to give something that makes me feel good." And that isn't real giving or real sacrifice, because giving isn't about YOU feeling good, it's about really understanding what someone else needs. Wouldn't the poor dying of TB appreciate much more access to medicines that might help them. Wouldn't the village destroyed by the Tsunami appreciate getting their homes rebuilt or getting food to eat.

I am appalled that not one poster on here seems to think it is worthwhile to find out what the top priorities of the people in need really are. 'The sentiment is more, these people are poor and therefore will appreciate whatever I give them.' And it absurd to say that giving money is wrong because all non-profits are corrupt. Again that is just a weak excuse to be the giver you want to be instead of the giver that people need. If you want to learn more about which charities to give to, please take 10 minutes out of your busy day and go to http://www.charitynavigator.org/.

Everyone seems to want to do as LITTLE as possible to be able to pat themselves on the back and call themselves a good person. The author is trying to get you to wise up and stop being LAZY givers, and to give with an understanding of how your donations can have an unintended ripple effect in the communities they go to. But you don't want to think about it because you have grown accustomed to sending your old trash to the third world and convincing yourself that makes you a good person.

Did anyone happen to notice that nearly every charity criticized in this slideshow happens to be connected to evangelical Christianity?

It kind of makes one wonder if that was the real reason for this absurd story.

1. The African textile market's challenge, or, more correctly, destruction comes from the competition from cheap synthetic clothing coming from China.

2. The most affordable clothing and what you see most on ordinary people in many African countries, to include Kenya, are used clothes from the US and Europe that are sold/sold in huge batches by US orgs like Good Will that found no market for them and instead sold them and put the money back into the organization's operating expenses. These clothes are then resold, mostly in informal markets acroos the continent or in stores in poorer neighborhoods. Old tee-shirts and sports clothes and for women, cheap polyester dresses are the most common. Ditto for shoes.

3. If anything, the donated clothes and shoes compete with the local market selling more or less the same things from the same sources.

4. Genuine cotton, African made cloth, is expensive the for the reasons stated above and much of the traditional, African-looking material and clothing items sold in many countries is actually Chinese and made of mixed fabric.

5. As for some of the dubious items provided by some, but by no means all religious charities, these toys, etc., are a way to gain access to people in order to spread the word to people in order to save them. They visit hospitals and talk to both the patients, including children and the parents about being saved by Jesus. Many are open enough to state this clearly to Americans who inquire.

If you read through the article, we may wonder if the donors are really that serious in giving, or are they just trying to get rid of of their stuffs at home and it so happens that they see an opportunity to dump their stuffs and present it as donation. I know it can be hard to judge people, but hey, this is still giving.

This is too funny! I usually just enjoy reading everyone else's comments and save my own comments for my own amusement and/or personal rant but the content of this "hard hitting" news was too good to pass up. I personally do not make a lot of money but I always donate money in form of a few bucks here and there throughout the years. I will be 29 years old this year and i don't make enough to contribute to a retirement fund so instead the little extra money I can scrape up goes to other people who are worse off than I am. A few weeks ago I decided, what the heck...since big business steals the rest of my money anyway I might as well keep my few dollars and put it away. Reading this article is validation that I made the right decision. People give because they care not because they HAVE to. We may not know you but we love you enough to not want to see you suffer. In fact I am so misguided I am going to keep my money and my hand me downs all to myself. Before this article was written, I think one important questions should have been asked: Can Warren Buffet and Bill Gates support every single person living in poverty on the face of the planet as well as those that are still falling into poverty? If you (author) would have asked that question maybe some of us misguided people wouldn't be questioning whether or not our own efforts are appreciated. We all could just ..stop giving and let Bill and Warren flip the Bill.

That some charities and companies use this as a dumping ground for old products and clothing. But there is a lot of good also. What I don't understand is the leadership in these countries that allow the black markets to begin with. I guess its all about the money. What about my Tall Glass Vases

The take away from this article seems to be send money or nothing. While maybe technically correct, such a policy position from aid groups will alienate donors. Maybe aid groups need to find a way to monetize physical goods that are received but deemed undesirable for their aid programs.

Obviously the answer is to do absolutely nothing.

Simply, like
the sunshine
in the middle
of a luminous
thought, you
live with a
certain idea.

Francesco Sinibaldi

Isn't the point of this article that the need is for money and not 'things'? It costs money to ship yoga mats, teddy bears...it costs money to store them and at the end of the day money could be used to buy medicines and other stuff. I know people who won't donate money because of the scandals theyve read about (charities using money inappropriately or money not going to relief) and I understand. But do research and donate to charities that get good marks on using money for what they say.

Donating something isn't always a good thing. We don't do food drives for the hungry in the town I work in anymore...for every person that purchases a can of soup or condensed milk, there are twenty that empty their cubbard of the corn they bought 6 years ago or opened boxes of cereal. Food banks don't take that stuff. It's ridiculous.

This is a slideshow, not a real article. How-matters.org is a great resource for thoughtful discussion about donating goods like this.

I work for a tiny NGO in Cambodia and in the last decade have shifted completely from taking suitcases of donated items up to being extremely strict about what we will accept and transfer up to Cambodia, encouraging people (and helping them understand *why*) to either donate cash or buy in-country at the local markets, and recently, our Cambodia team has started getting goods donated from rich and middle-class Cambodians as a way to bring them in as potential volunteers and donors, and to source suitable items.

We got dirty shoes, stained winter clothing, scribbled on colouring-books, opened food packets - it takes time to sort those donations out, to repack them and then time and money to transfer them up to Cambodia, where they have to be stored (rent and staff time) and distributed. We can't do sea shipping for small quantities, so we rely on visitors with extra check-in luggage to bring donated goods up bit by bit. Air shipping would be hundreds of dollars and plain ridiculous except maybe for very specialized equipment like medical instruments.

A box of children's clothes can cost often cost MORE to ship up and distribute than a local staff member nipping down to the market to pick up second-hand clothes from a stall there. For $1, I can get a clean outfit in the correct size for a child who's just entered our shelter. No storage time, a stall owner with her own family to support making decent money, and cheaper than a donation from another country.

We made a list of specific items either unavailable, very limited or expensive in Cambodia and ask for those - wooden children's puzzles and toddler board books for example. We also help people who want to give a physical gift for the emotional resonance - and I get that, it's very satisfying at first - to go to the local markets and buy bigger quantities much cheaper when they're in Cambodia.

There are huge practical considerations here that clash against the feel-good factor. Quilts drive me nuts - I know the time and cost in creating a quilt as a crafter, and when I think of that in terms of how many meals it could have bought, it's not sweet, it's painful. I get them for a local organisation, e.g. Project Linus which is wonderful, but not for shipping overseas!

What has also worked for us is to encourage people to fundraise their beautiful and relatively expensive gifts locally and donate the cash. Have a garage sale in your neighbourhood, raffle that quilt at your office and use the cash to get what's truly needed overseas so your donation does far more.

I can't believe people are nitpicking charitable donations.

Needing to protect the local economies is these countries is important, but it's hard to believe that donations have that large of an impact.

Aren't most of the donations supposed to go to people in desperate need or that have lost everything? People in these situations often can't afford to buy (enough) locally made clothing / goods anyways, so how is having foreign hand me downs any worse for the local economy?

Same thing when it comes to food, usually when a huge amount of food is sent at once it's after a natural or man-made disaster where people are in desperate need of sustenance. The rest of the time when regular shipments of food are made it's going to the poorest of the poor, again people that wouldn't have much of an impact on local economy.

This is also true for toys, stuffed animals and little treat boxes that are donated. They go to extremely poor children that could probably never own something like that otherwise, so who's it hurting.

One final thing is that many people would much rather send goods than money. How many stories have we read in the last few years about supposedly reputable charity organizations (or their leaders) stealing money? Even if the money makes it to the right country the chances of it helping those it should are next to none. More often than not, in these needy, war-ridden, poverty-ridden, famine-ridden places the local government officials are extremely corrupt and keep most of the donated money for themselves or share it with business partners doing shady deals. The people that need it see almost none of it. Goods have a better chance of actually helping the people that it's intended for.

I have no words for this article at the moment. It seems that the aid that's needed should be communicated better to Western countries. When these people get the aid, they are happy to get some kind of thoughtful gift/support/gesture.

So to make blame helps no one. We just need to get more strategic with our aid, because we can all agree aid is needed.

Thanks,

Masha Dowell
www.culturatist.com
www.mashadowell.com

What the 3rd world needs most, is political and cultural stability, followed by jobs.
Read the Hudson Institute's Annual Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances.
But as long as they don't have political and cultural stability, "jobs" are unlikely, and we can't really do better than to just send them stuff. Local manufacture is unlikely anyway if anyone whose business is remotely successful gets targeted by warlords.

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Giving/gift_catalog/

For a christmas gift that counts!

I have not much to say except this: here's a background that needs to be analyzed.

Marie
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I agree with nearly all the comments expressed below. The tone of this article is rather condescending -- and odd that it targets charitable giving.

A far greater threat to local production of clothing and textiles, for example, is exactly the same as it is in the developed world, namely, imports from countries who can produce more cheaply and efficiently.

1. Sorry I am just now reading this article, but I cannot keep quiet on Operation Christmas Child. I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in a community that received these big cardboard boxes. Those kids were happy for about 10 minutes, then they broke the toys and they were laying broken and forgotten in the mud by the end of the week. What was kept for months were the cardboard boxes that the family used to line the walls of their shacks for insulation. They used them in the room I stayed in. It did make it warmer. I will never forget the name of OCC because I laid in bed staring at those words and the picture of the airplane on those many cardboard boxes that lined my walls for several months. I wish the resources for those OCC boxes would have been put to better use, but I understand people are just trying to help, just as I was trying to help as a PCV. Wish good alternatives would have been mentioned.
I did find this, on good organizations: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/19/opinion/19kristof.html?src=tptw

2. That said, I often put old clothes in the Planet Aid drop boxes, and now I realize I may be doing something harmful. But what is the alternative? I don't want stuff to end up in a landfill.

Where the hell did that money go? That's about how much it costs to run the UK for an entire year. So I guess most of that money was stolen, like in Africa where 70% of the charity money disappears.

- Vince Delmonte

It's not uncommon, folks. A great amount of charity goods and money just go to corrupt high-dogs of the third world. But let's lighten up a bit here. It's nice to see some people receive something to use as their bedding or clothing from first-world surplus, even if the shirts announce that the Chicago Bears are the Super Bowl XLI Champions. Charity is good in the short-term, it gets bad when people and industries rely on it.

Cheers,
Lisa O.

The majority of textile manufacturing is done on large scale production lines. Plus, these people who make $50 a month can't afford to buy new mats, tee shirts and shoes regardless of where they are made. Go back and look at the faces of the people in the pics you used. Do they look offended, oppressed or devalued. Better yet, do seslichat like most reporters do, take a business class flight over there, stay at one of the 5 star hotels and tell the rest of us we are not helping. But maybe you can be different, maybe you can go out to one of these villages and ask for the stuff back, you know, so you can help them.

It's very noble to donate some money or old stuff to charity. Poor people deserve to have a proper life.
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I was going to donate $3000 worth of very useful goods to Haiti. I guess I will throw them away now since the author of the article has spoken for the whole country.ipad alternatives sylvania tablet

These photos are really interesting and they demonstrate the reality. I was checking online for portable printers review when I thought about how Pop-Tarts end up on the black market. I love Pop-tarts!

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Following the adverse temblor there in 2010, numerous contributor countries and philanthropic agencies remitted children's outfits. Yet various global health buffs argued that sending goods, rather than cash, was a less useful use of resources taking into account the country's requirement for
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This is a good article. It points out how we have to be careful with how we give aid — even things like clothes can ruin the long-term prospects for the country to bring itself out of poverty on its own.appraisal services

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Nice article. But any of you tried to sleep in yoga ? It's not better than sleeping in a regular bad. Haity need help and and people can use yoga tips and Mira Hair Oil for a lot of things, not only for sleep. if they want to make hair grow faster

"Do Haitians really need your used yoga mat? Do the Balkans lack for clowns?" The spirit of generosity of Americans is remarkable. I would suggest that charity should begin at home. list building system

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It raises all sorts of important questions about how we act on an admirable desire to help others. Primarily, the problem is that the vast majority of assistance is short term help and does not address core causes.
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Napoleon sent two separate, well-equipped forces to take on the rebel slaves. Both failed. By 1803, when Dessalines declared Haiti independent, Napoleon had lost more than 24,000 troops. What followed that first victory of an enslaved people was an injustice that doomed the victors to persistent poverty.
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This is a good article. It points out how we have to be careful with how we give aid — even things like clothes can ruin the long-term prospects for the country to bring itself out of poverty on its own.
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I agree we must be careful with simply giving money or things away without forethought into where they may end up, or what they will be used for. However, we should not let this deter us from helping others. We need to put some thought into where our money or aid is going and how it can be best utilized by those we are giving it to. Often times, giving money out is not the solution.
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quite a funny article. Do Haitians really need your used yoga mat? Do the Balkans lack for clowns? What is wrong with either yoga or clowns for that matter. renovatielening

With the author's logic, I shouldn't buy a homeless man a meal because I'm taking business away from a local Dennys.America can't do anything right;)

Interesting points the author made but I think countries such put themselves first before offering aid to the third world. The economic situation now is getting worse in the developing countries but striving in the east. Isn't it time we ask them to give us aid for a change instead of the other way round. online advertising

Its not duty of donor but the duty, who received such funds to use such sum for the purpose, it's provided.

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Within just 1 week in one disaster we had a ton - literally - of clothing. Most was just dumped off in paper bags. They got wet, muddy, eventually moldy. But even the stuff that was usable was 50% pretty awful stuff. Holes, stains. We had to be careful the way we spoke to "contributors" but we tried to say hey from our Garden Offices

Hati doesn't need or money either. And it doesn't need another Mike Key running around building missions either.

What Hati needs is a new government. This country has been in utter poverty for years because of the horrible corrupt government, and the fact that it seems to get replaced over and over again.

I would hope most charities are trying their best to deliver to people who can't do that, so that someone who can buy a Stairlifts f

The article does have some trustfulness to it, I mean when people are in need , do the really need our yoga mat, or a used shirt, or like the article says a bunch of pop tarts?.

I could see rather then donating our junk, we can donate more useful resources that might be needed. It's kind of like why would we donate a logitech hd pro webcam c910 to India or any third world control when the have no immediate use for it.

I havent read all the posts here but I agree that people in need like this don't actually need your old yoga mat or a pair of worn out roller blades... they need blankets, food, water, medicine and a place to stay. Sell your yoga mat on ebay!

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"Especially in Kenya, where shirts and merchandise featuring Obama's likeness have become fashionable." What a craze for Obama.

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