When I went through the May 3 1999 tornado I needed things like towels, sheets, toiletries, some basic cookware, socks, feminine supplies, and a bag to keep it all in. Large duffel bags are needed right now. You could go to the dollar store and get tons of shampoo, toothbrushes, lotion, hair brushes, etc...also diapers and baby wipes are good. Saline solution, q tips, even some cheap old navy flip flops. Razors, shaving cream. You get it.
When I lost my home in 99 I was working for a place that built store fixtures for Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. Several people in our company lost homes, so Ralph and Tommy sent semi trucks full of clothes, perfume, bedding, towels, etc from New York. It was amazing, and a huge blessing. I used Tommy Hilfiger shower gel for years after that. Still have the towels, too.
I have conflicted feelings about all these places taking monetary donations. For being a tornado victim, I heard about an awful lot of money being donated but saw very little of it. Got a little from Red Cross and FEMA, but as far as local fundraisers went I never saw anything like that come my way. I don't know how they decided who to give it to, but I wasn't included. It was frustrating, hearing the radio stations talk about all the funds they raised, yet not seeing anything. The actual physical items were the greatest donations I received. 4951