I can't see that these organisations really help. As you say, it is really down to the individual. I know of many who have donated to organisations such as these and then are disillusioned because things don't seem to get better but in some cases are worse.
Bob Geldof did a lot back in the 80's but I remember he was disillusioned because of the all the money he raised, the majority of it was not going to those it was suposed to help, but went into the pockets of the governments.