ClayD
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2010
- Messages
- 2,440
- Reaction score
- 8
These churches may have had things worked out perfectly if this border issue had not got in the way. They may have known exactly how to collect, process, transport, sort, store and distribute everything efficiently. I wouldn't want to say they are doing it "wrong."
However, in almost all disasters there are anecdotes of well-intentioned aid being wasted because it was not appropriate for the situation. Often it is perishable food that spoils due to lack of refrigeration or inefficient distribution. Sometimes it's mountains of used clothes that are not needed or cannot be stored, sorted and distributed. Generally, experienced relief organizations don't have those issues. They can turn a cash donation into real relief very efficiently.
Its better to have an not need than to need and not have.
It's a very poor arguement either way. However, tell an OKIE that fema, or some "organization" will help better than the church down the road, and it is a quick way to get them fuming mad. I would take a few steps back before vocalizing that....
I drank countless bottles of water and ate more than one (add-hoc) volunteer lunch. Never did i question its origin, and often didnt know the name of the person handing it to me.
The simple phrase "fallen through the cracks" happens because someone (namely government an large organizations) take on more than they can, and admit that this "fallen through the craks" happens. Look at katrina.
Churches, and local groups putting feet to pavement, are the catch all, and you should never discourage that participation... My old clothes can be thrown away if not needed, but I wont think twice to give them to a church. (who give all the time, not just in disasters.)
For personal reasons, I didn't take a camera or anything else to the site. But i can tell you, i cannot count the number of small groups that filled the gaps and "got $__t done" while the big guys were turning people away. I saw hundreds of churches bring trailerloads of support, and hands and feet that came with it.
The government, redcross, and others will tell you . money is the way to help and this other stuff is ineffecient. but, ask anyone that went through japan, tailand, katrina, i am just going to stop there... if it is not wanted.... you wont hear a "no." unless its the government or big organization who say the people on the ground are "in the way".