After early morning on Wednesday, October 25, the storm Otis, categorized as category 5, will affect Acapulco, Guerrero, with maximum winds of 270 km/h and gusts of up to 330 km/h. Different areas have opened their collection centers in different parts of Mexico City, and people have received non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, medicines, and even cleaning products in support of thousands of affected families.
When it comes to helping people who are in emergency countries thousands of kilometers from us, financial contributions are the most available way to get help.
Is it better to donate money than in kind?
Donating in kind does not help meet the specific needs of all people; it does not provide what they really need (we send food if they need diapers or medicine instead of mats). Also, donating in kind includes cats because special transport is needed to bring the products. However, in the case of the Otis crossing, which left the port of Acapulco cut off, it is impossible to provide assistance, including the cost of roads, incidentals, travel expenses, and fuel.
It should be noted that supplies hardly reach the most isolated or remote communities due to poor road infrastructure, which can be damaged during a meteor.
Why not donate the products directly?
You reduce the cost of transportation to a minimum.
You will adjust the logistics to meet the needs.
Can be used to purchase essential humanitarian aid products.
How to Research Charities
If you donate money or in kind, make sure the organization is real, registered, and not taking advantage of the tragedy.
The Red Cross is one of the institutions that conducts collection and support in a regulated manner.
How to Identify and Avoid Fake Charities
Do a reverse image search on the internet for the photo used in the fundraiser.
Pay attention to the payment method the fundraiser asks you to use
Don’t trust anyone who forces you to donate.
Questions to ask a fundraiser
1. What is the exact name of the organization and its web and postal address?
2. What portion of my donation will go directly?
3. Are you raising money for a charity?
4. Is the charity registered, and is my donation tax-deductible?
Acapulco needs help from everyone, but it’s always better to be careful before wasting our support in a trap.
