When a natural disaster strikes, the instinct to help kicks in and rightly so. Many of us rush to collect clothing, canned food, toys, or blankets, hoping to bring comfort to people in crisis. But according to a compelling article published by TED Ideas, these well-meaning donations often do more harm than good.

Read the full TED article here

The article explains that sending physical goods can clog supply chains, overwhelm local responders, and delay the delivery of actual necessities. In contrast, cash donations are faster, more flexible, and far more effective. They empower aid organizations on the ground to purchase what’s urgently needed right when it’s needed and support the local economy in the process.

What This Teaches Us About Philanthropy

This message ties directly into a broader lesson about effective philanthropy: giving should be based on need, not assumption.

Real philanthropy isn’t about what makes the giver feel good, it’s about what actually helps. Sending money may feel less personal than boxing up old clothes, but it respects the autonomy of affected communities and ensures your help translates into real, practical relief.

Rethinking the Way We Help

As donors, volunteers, or organizations, we need to shift from a mindset of "giving things" to one of "giving with impact." This TED article is a reminder that smart giving is compassionate giving. In the aftermath of a crisis, the best way to show up for others might be by reaching into our wallets, not our closets.

Final Thought

Let’s reframe what it means to help. If we truly want to support disaster survivors and vulnerable communities, the most meaningful gift we can offer might just be trust—and the money to rebuild.