Having lived through a natural disaster, I can advise you that if you want to help someone who has been through a fire, earthquake, flood or whatever, cleaning supplies and gift cards are extremely helpful. And if you can bring it to them or send it in the mail, that is even better. Trying to clean up your home and life after a devastating experience is stressful, exhausting, and time consuming. There isn’t a lot of room in a their schedule to go to everyone who offers a box of household goods or furniture they want to give you.