With donations for bombing victims at $10 million and counting, charities are grappling with the rush of donations from car washes, bake sales and piggy banks.
"We've never been in this situation before that we've had enough," said Kathy Garrett, a spokeswoman for the Oklahoma County chapter of the American Red Cross.The Red Cross said last month that it had raised enough money for meals, rent, medical care and funeral expenses for victims and their families, but the donations are still coming in, with the total topping $4 million so far.
"In most disasters, people send money in at first, then the recovery costs are so high you have to make appeals," she said. "In this case, we didn't have to make appeals, it all just keeps pouring in."
An estimated $10 million has been collected by 55 different funds for victims of the April 19 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Such an embarrassment of riches has created logistical problems as agencies try to coordinate how the money should be spent.
"It hasn't let up," said Laura Huckelbury, a spokeswoman for the United Way of Oklahoma City. "We're seeing a lot of spontaneous activities, like bake sales and kids sending in their pennies."
A recent example: the United Way received a $246 check from employees of a J.C. Penney store in Camden, Ark. They'd held a car wash.
Money initially went to provide for the immediate needs of families following the blast that killed 168 and injured more than 500.
Agencies provided meals, temporary housing and clothing, and helped with medical bills and counseling.
The Salvation Army served 102,653 meals and provided 103,829 gloves, hard hats, knee pads and ponchos to rescue workers. The United Way helped with everything from funerals to tax counseling.
As money continues to flow in, there is talk of long-term programs, including additional counseling and scholarships for children of the victims.
Some 200 children are believed to have lost a parent or close relative in the bombing.
Gov. Frank Keating wants to raise another $200 million to cover all losses, including damage to businesses and lost wages not covered by insurance - a total estimated at $289 million.
He has also discussed creating individual funds for each family affected by the tragedy.
The governor has met with Peter Ueberroth, businessman and head of the 1984 Olympic planning committee, who helped raise $500 million to rebuild Los Angeles following the 1992 riots.
Meanwhile, local agencies are trying to keep tabs on the money that has already come in. The United Way set up a computer database to track what's gone out to individuals. So far, 13 of 19 agencies have access.
The Red Cross' Garrett believes the public largess that created the problems comes from the unique nature of the bombing.
"This was an intentional disaster caused by someone," she said. "People's hearts go out to the families that are affected. It's their way of feeling they have done something to help."