As depressing as this story is, it's a must-read for all advocates of private charity, even charity workers.

I know there are plenty of good causes urging you to give, and plenty of sensible slogans (like "That extra coat in your closet belongs to the poor"), but keep some perspective if you're going to work with private charity:

• Give stuff you would use but just haven't. Poor people don't want the dented cans of Potted Meat Food Product or beets you won't eat. Contact a local hunger program and ask them what they want or can use. If you wouldn't eat it or wear it, and not because of some weird food or cloth phobia, why would anyone else?
• If you want to help, give money. Charities can almost always buy the right things with money, often cheaper than you can.
• If you volunteer, treat every person with dignity. Save patting yourself on the back for when you're alone, lest you be like the Pharisee publicly praying about all the good work he did.

In charity like in medicine, the first rule should be to do no harm. Treat others as you'd want to be treated.