Cash donations generally best at this stage

NEW YORK — Charities are stepping up their donation requests in the wake of Harvey. But this is not an excuse to clean out your closet. Money is the quickest, most-effective contribution most people can make during times of disaster, charities and philanthropy experts say.

Here’s how to make sure you are giving in a way that matters the most. make a donation through text and have the phone company charge it on your phone bill. It’s easy, and it might feel as though it’s the quickest way to get money to a charity.

But Palmer said that’s not the case, as charities have to wait for the phone companies to release the money.

The quickest way to give is to go to the charity’s website and donate directly, using a credit or debit card. That said, relief agencies will need money beyond the first few days or even weeks, so if the ease of text donations appeals to you, tap away. Apple users in the U.S. also can donate to the American Red Cross through the company’s iTunes and app stores. giving to a stranger or cause online.

GoFundMe has a special page for Hurricane Harvey pleas for charities, individuals and families. GlobalGiving, a crowdfunding site for charities, is trying to raise $2 million for local relief and recovery efforts. YouCaring is another popular choice.

Remember that donations are tax-deductible only if they go to a registered nonprofit or charity.

Give to established relief agencies Timing Hold off on material donations

Donating food, clothing and household items can complicate and even hinder relief efforts, experts say.

The U.S. Center for Disaster Information said such donations “require transportation — which is expensive and logistically complicated — and a preidentified recipient on the ground who will receive the shipment, pay customs and other fees, sort and distribute the items.”

It doesn’t mean there will never be a time or place for such donations — check with relief agencies as time passes.

Consider special needs