Definitely cash.

This may seem reductive initially, but I think there is a growing body of research showing that the best thing you can give the majority of people in need is simply cash. Most people will then use that cash in a way that best meets their needs.

That seems to be the case in discrete situations, like as a result of Hurricane Harvey, but it is also manifested by non-profit efforts like Kiva, which forgoes normal NGO practice and simply gives low interest, small loans to individuals and families. Those loans currently have a 96% pay back rate, and have helped a great many people in ways only those people themselves would have known needed helping.

A number of news outlets have written on this topic in the last few years, including The Atlantic, NPR and BBC - and all seem to indicate that direct cash transfers are a very effective form of charity.

Which is why, definitely cash IMO.

And it makes sense - how can any of us know what a family needs, let alone wants, let alone what would be cherished or life changing. It's possible you could strike gold and make the perfect choice - but more than likely you'd miss the mark, despite earnest consideration, and then they're out a grand they could otherwise have used.

Of course, this opens up the small possibility that they will misuse the money. But, as the articles I posted to generally conclude, that is statistically unlikely to happen apparently.

Aaaaaand I accidentally wrote a post... I think I might just convert this comment into a more complete post now that I've done all the research :).

It's a very generous impulse btw! I commend you!

(Now - one caveat to this advice would be if you know that one or more of the adults in this family have a substance abuse or gambling problem. But that's a super specific loophole to the general rule of thumb that cash is the best choice.)