Flood relief funds: Where should it go?

[TravisE]

I'm having a CD release show tonight and have decided to give the CDs away to all who attend and, in return, ask for donations for flood relief for my fellow Nashvillians. My only confusion: What to do with the money?

Would you...

1. Give the funds to the Red Cross or other relief organization for the funds to be allocated how they see fit or...

2. Give the money directly to a family that you know who sustained damage and can't afford the repairs to get them back on their feet?

[TravisE]

I'm not sure I want to use it as a deduction. I have mixed feelings about that. On one hand, I would be personally benifitting from it but, on the other hand, the gub'ment will have to pay for it...which...well, nevermind.

[scottlr]

While your money can be added to other money to help many folks, I think whatever you manage to raise could help a single family. I understand your mixed feelings, but you are doing good, and you ARE allowed to claim it on taxes, so why not. I can't see how that would hurt anyone, and I doubt anyone would think you did it just for the tax deduction. We give to the local food bank, etc., and we do claim it on our taxes. It's a good incentive for folks to help out.

If I could specify a particular family for our help to go to, it'd be a great feeling. When it is in a fund that goes to multiple families, you don't get that connection, and only a small fraction goes to each. Both ways are important, so I guess in the long run, it doesn't matter. Getting the majority of your money into the hands that need it is (to me) the main concern. Not that the folks administering those programs don't deserve to earn a living, but I'd prefer ALL of my donations go to the need.

FWIW, good on you for doing this!

[Midnight Lady]

Good for you.

I'm not going to say anything negative about the Red Cross or other relief organizations because they are always the first ones on the scene after a disaster and they know how to reach people in an effective way.

However, in this case, I would say find a family - or two.

My step-son and his wife live in Nashville but were lucky enough to avoid disaster. His wife is a teacher who knows several teachers who lost everything. Rather than buying flowers for everyone on Mothers Day, they pooled that money and donated to a family in need.

If you have any trouble finding a family, I could put you in touch with them.

[derekd]

My wife and I donate money regularly to charity, sponsor a couple of kids thru Compassion, etc. Typically when we look to donate to a charity, we want to see their admin costs around 10% of gross revenues. Anything much larger than that, and we pass.

For this particular situation, If were me, would absolutely give to a specific family, if I knew directly of one truly in need. It is always more satisfying I think, to have a face or name attached to the gift you give. Kudos (or is it mojo?) for your efforts.