Opinion: How to ensure your donations are helpful and appreciated

A few years ago, my mom and I were sitting on the couch watching TV when her face turned beet red.
A reporter was standing outside a food bank located just a few blocks from my mom’s house. He was holding up a can of clams and wearing a bemused expression on his face.
“Pasta with clams is one of my easiest recipes,” said my mom, defensively, “you hardly need any ingredients.”
As the reporter launched into his segment on what not to give to food banks, citing items s