A few interesting bits of information:

This CNN article is why we are vetting our collections list with specific aid organizations. We are asking people to focus on two categories:

TOOLS + TOILETRIES

for rebuilding and hygiene
(not drugs or used clothing - which are complicated to send).

I am working with an aid agency to collect the items that their orphanage, school, and surrounding rural communities need. I agree that poorly organized efforts are worthless, but this is an organized effort and is specifically targeting the needs of an identified recipient group. Additionally, there is nowhere for people to "buy supplies locally" at this point (as mentioned in the CNN article).

This NPR story offers a different perspective, and this Globe and Mail story fully supports our efforts. Here's a GREAT link for supplies that you can donate, (list sourced from the organization I'm working with).

Also, the free daily 24 Hours warned of being wary of donating to efforts that claim 100% of funds going to disaster victims. I can respond to this by saying that all of my efforts are volunteered and ANYTHING you donate will be put towards filling the shipping container with much needed supplies. Shipping costs are fully funded by a private donation, so any collected money can be used for buying supplies.