When a hurricane Katrina stroke New Orleans in 2005 many individuals and organizations rose up to provide aid. The post below is the testimony of Brad Pitts' "Make It Right" campaign. Unfortunately the "Make It Right" testimony has been repeated many times in regards to the aid afforded to New Orleans and many other like minded efforts.
Although it may seem harsh those who have studied charitable giving have found that unless aid is given and received responsibly and with accountability chances are it will be squandered and the recipients left worse after receiving the aid than before. Regrettably, the "Make It Right" campaign appears to have proven that out.
For those interested in a deeper look at the problems associated with charitable giving I recommend the book TOXIC CHARITY by Robert Upton.