Disaster relief donations that don't bring relief

Many of the items we Americans donate in times of disaster turn out to be of no use to those in need. Sometimes, they even get in the way of humanitarian workers doing their job under difficult circumstances. Scott Simon of NPR reports on the useless, often incomprehensible contributions that constitute what aid workers call "the second disaster." (An earlier version of this story was originally broadcast on April 24, 2016.)

---
"CBS Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science, Americana and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS Sunday Morning broadcast times.

[hamburg]

Need to educate and coordinate what is needed for disaster relief. Good intentions will match the needs.

[mibeka]

This expert lady seems confused. She said, " it's summer in Honduras." What she should have said is, "Honduras has tropical like weather. It doesn't snow in Honduras. During the winter season people just wear a light sweater.

[johnspigelmyer]

Why don't news media post on there web-sites and social media pages what is really needed...

[jirensentry]

The idea of sending people everything from tiger uniforms and used tea bags means that people didn't send from their heart and mind, they sent from their heart and mind of shameful behavior.

They didn't send from their hearts with a true, sincere love and concern for others, they sent these things out of a desire to get rid of things they no longer wanted. Taking up a world disaster event as an opportunity to clean out your closet and or garage or attic is absolutely shameful.

[NerdHerd]

Send money to the organizations and they keep most of it ☹️think that's why many send items organizations don't want toys and used clothing !

[jirensentry]

The problem with cash donations leave the room for charities to keep 60 to 75% of the funds and give the rest to those in need with ineffectiveness in that.

[joshuapeterson]

Didn't know Scott Simon was such a snappy dresser.

[Trnzoid]

So donations, like Christmas or birthday presents, are unnecessary.

[paulandrews]

Seems to me that who is accepting the goods should have the power to turn it away if it isn't necessary instead of incurring the cost of transporting, what's going to end up as, garbage. Good intentions are great, but get real!