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Should we donate to Red Cross or not?

Donations to Red Cross. A good thing? or bad?



Over the previous few weeks I have seen many negative stories regarding the Red Cross and its efforts to help the victims of the recent hurricanes, Harvey and Irma. I have always thought the Red Cross was the first responders and the go to people to help the victims. I still feel that way but, I have seen many stories that have somewhat changed my mind on their efforts and whether to donate cash to the organization, or items alone. Two recent stories that have caught media attention involved situations in Houston, Texas. Volunteers had been working around the clock to help those in need. Many restaurants had sent food and coffee for these volunteers were hungry and thirsty. When the American Red Cross found out about these donations, they quickly intervened and would not let the volunteers eat or drink the items because they weren't donated by them. This concerned me. How could they turn away these people from eating and drinking. They are there on their owntime and money.  They don't have many options to get food as everything in the area was flooded. The other thing that really bothered me is, the Founder of the Red Cross admitted that only 18 cents per dollar had to be accounted for on the books for IRS purposes. This leaves many to believe that fraud can occur very easily with 82 cents per dollar not having to be accounted for. I have always been one to donate to relief efforts when I can, but I will definitely have to consider whether I donate items or cash the next time I am asked to donate. I feel 18 cents per dollar is very low. I couldn't believe my ears when I heard that. It should be the other way around. 82 cents should be held accountable for. What say you?

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