I was sitting with friends recently, and we were discussing finding local charities to donate to for fire relief. They had heard concerns about the Red Cross spending a significant portion of donations on operations. While this may be true, it’s important to remember that organizations like the Red Cross have trained professionals on staff, ready to respond at a moment’s notice. For example, when I donate blood, the nurses are paid professionals, as their expertise is critical.
That said, it’s completely okay if you prefer not to donate to large organizations like the Red Cross or Salvation Army. If you’re considering donating, take the time to research the group in advance. Be cautious with platforms like GoFundMe—while they can be a great tool, there’s no verification process for the stories posted, and they do charge a fee. If you want to help someone you know personally, consider sending money directly via Zelle or another secure method.
It’s unfortunate, but some bad actors take advantage of tragedy to scam others. So as you extend your generosity, take care to ensure your contributions reach those who truly need it.
