i used to donate to the companion hall, but everytime i do, i see non-young's come in and clean out the chests. Now I just help them out if i see them out-and-about
Only youngs can get those items, a lot of times its best to give the items direct to the companions. Cassandra Hope will gladly take everything and ensure it will be dispersed properly and in a balanced fashion.
Those chests could probably be emptied more often for sure.