INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is advising state residents seeking to help those recovering from damage caused by recent violent storms that money through the proper channels is the best donation.
 
IDHS spokesman John Erickson says it is better to donate money to a legitimate relief agency than send or take items such as clothing and food to areas hit by a disaster. He says most areas are dealing with debris removal and other activities and can't handle the logistics of sorting, storing and distributing items.
 
Erickson also said that people wanting to volunteer to help with things like clean-up should not just show up to a disaster area but should do so through organizations.