It do be like dat

True, but I feel like putting that money directly into aid efforts would have a larger impact than the donations received.

It's more than that. I would argue that receiving donations is only a small reason. It's to raise awareness. It's to remind you that the world isn't perfect and that people are suffering and they need help. The money may be able to help more kids if they just spent it on food, but this has a greater effect. It changes your political views, makes you more charitable, makes you more understanding, makes you more inclined to donate, and a host of other things. If nobody knows about an issue, then nobody will help with the issue.