blablabla (quite an apt name in this instance)
Now where's the "dont feed the troll" icon when you need it?? (Going ahead anyway, lol)
I think we're all mature enough to realise one can't eat soap, however any 'extras' that can be given to those who want/need them means more money to be spent on essentials like food and so on... It's not only labourers this type of thing is aimed at, but also as mentioned maids who have left employers and staying in temporary lodgings or with friends, people who for whatever reason are left without possessions and would actually be grateful for a few simple things like toiletries.
Not everyone in need is "suffering", as you put it, but any thing that may give people a little comfort is usually welcome. If people didn't want or need these items there wouldn't be requests for them. Whether you think they're useful or not is irrelevant; let those who receive them decide whether it's worth their time or not.
FWIW, not all women living in Dubai swan about the mall with a Prada handbag and get their nails done, there are a lot of caring ladies (and men) who actually do want to try make some kind of difference.
I think perhaps that you are the one who needs to 'open your eyes' and see that while, yes, most labourers and construction workers here are just earning an honest living to support their families, there ARE those who fit the definition of 'suffering'- left with illnesses by uncaring employers, companies who fold and run off with the money leaving them stranded, ones who endure shocking conditions in the camps. They are here and it does happen, to pretend otherwise means you are just as blind as you suggest the original poster is.
It's getting people into the mindset of even being aware that not everyone in Dubai is here having a nice time that's the most important thing here, not what items are given or assistance rendered. The fact that it's happening should be a start.
" A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.."