[reverendsteveii]

I wonder if it's to-do with the fact that clothing is bulky and FEMA would be transporting donations from all over the place, leading to a really ineffective cost:benefit ratio. I believe you that clothing was what was needed in your efforts, but that doesn't necessarily mean that shipping sweaters from California is the best way to meet that need. As the article says, cash is best because "Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, which supports economic recovery."