We all want to help those in need. With the tragic news of the massive flooding in Pakistan, it is only natural for people to want to pitch in and help out. Just make sure to follow these basic tips before making a donation.
Make sure that the organization you donate to is a legitimate one. It is safer to select an organization that you have heard of and you know is reputable such as the United Way, UNICEF, World Vision, etc. These established organizations have the experience in providing cost effective aid. As well, you will feel safe in knowing that their websites are secure should you choose to donate online.
Avoid donating to smaller organizations, especially if you have never heard of them. Unfortunately there have been cases of criminals pretending to be collecting money to provide aid and it turns out they are only concerned with lining their own pockets.
If you are solicited, be wary of those who make you feel pressured to donate. Anyone who is overly emotional, does not provide specific details, and cannot answer your questions, should be denied your donation. Do not be afraid to ask questions, and should you feel moved to give, find a trustworthy organization and make the donation through it instead. That way you can still help out without the possibility of being defrauded.
Unless the crisis is local to your area, it is usually best to donate money instead of clothing and other goods, mainly due to the fact that it is much more cost effective. The cost of shipping goods is much more expensive than simply buying the necessary items locally. Besides, every culture is different and what might seem like a necessity to you may not even be used in the destination country.
For more details on making donations, check out the Yahoo! finance article “What You Should Know Before You Donate”.
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