"Historically, the American public and the private sector have been extremely generous in response to the needs of disaster victims around the world—whether the cause is by nature or man-made. Unfortunately, the collection of unsolicited donations such as used clothing, canned foods and prescription medications for past emergencies has been problematic for the donating public, relief agencies and the populations affected by disaster," says Suzanne Brooks, director of the CIDI program. "Our mission is to provide information and guidance in support of appropriate international disaster response."

The situation in Iraq is likely to be particularly complicated for a public wishing to provide assistance through material donations. Free transportation of commodities is likely to be limited to essential, priority items requested by relief organizations operating in the field. Regional and in-land distribution of commodities is expensive and will be limited to urgently-needed supplies during this emergency. Paid transport is likely to be cost-prohibitive based on the distance, the customarily heavy nature of food and clothing donations, and the potential customs duties that may be charged--even for goods in-transit through third countries. In most cases, the costs of transportation and delivery far outweigh the value and usefulness of miscellaneous items collected in the US. Recent changes to Department of Defense policy regarding unsolicited mail and care packages for the troops in Iraq reflect similar concerns by relief professionals about unsolicited commodity donations for disaster victims overseas.

International relief agencies adhere to strict guidelines and regulations related to nutritional requirements, as well as cultural and religious norms of the affected populations, and therefore collections of canned goods and other food commodities are strongly discouraged. Items that may be needed in the future are easily available in the region, and are more likely to be compatible to local tastes and requirements.

The World Health Organization has set forth strict regulations regarding the donation of medicines and medical supplies for disaster victims around the world. The selection and procurement of these items is best left in the hands of the professional relief agencies that can ensure that the specific medications be procured rapidly, in adequate quantities.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United Nations agencies and a host of US-based relief organizations have already pre-positioned emergency supplies within the region for the Iraqi people. These items include blankets, shelter, food, medical, water and sanitation equipment.