Thanks to those who included links to the various charities. Now I just have to figure out which agency to direct my money towards.

I just wonder how many around the world with the means to help will passively watch the news, comment about how sad it is but not get involved in even the most minimal way.

Amazon.com is tracking the donations they've collected for the red cross, and they're up to over $3 million. The average donation is a bit over $50 per person...I think it's great to see the effort everyone is putting forth to help the poor victims.

Bonniebroad, is it Physicians Without Boarders or Doctors Without Boarders or are there two different organizations?

I too was thinking this was a good organization to donate to. I saw the head of the organization (or one of them) on TV last night - CNN I think, but I was also on a phone call so not clear about the name. But thought it was Doctors Without Boarders.

Thanks to anyone who can answer. Peace to all.

Hi OWJ -

it's times like this that brings out people from every corner offering assistance in any way they can give.

People do help each other in times of need and I thank God they do.

As to a charity - pick whichever is closest to your heart or your religion - you won't go wrong.

What a disaster of bibilcal proportions! I gave to CARE and the Red Cross...hope it gets to those that need it most! My heart is broken.

Repsonses have given me solace. Sorry Wantomsun and fdecarlo if I have been apethetic about early warning. I just hate after the fact grandiosity, which neither of you were projecting.

I have chosen Unicef and Intl Red Cross to offer what monetary assistance I can. I ask all fodorites to pull out the checkbook. We cannot compare this to 9/11 as that was an act of terrorism, but to reflect on the numbers.......open your hearts and consider.......

gyppielou: No offense taken. Someone posted this link which I thought was interesting:

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqinthene...istseis_lg.gif

It's a map of magnitude 6 and greater earthquakes in this area since 1900.

Loveitaly

I believe it is Doctors without Borders - an awesome organization.

ttt

At least one indiviudal asked how to pick a reputable charity. I don't have any personal recommendations, but I do know that Forbes has ranked the efficieny of charities (the higher the efficiency, the more of your dollars go to direct aid). There are many great charities that have relatively low efficiency, and I am sure there are good reasons for it - so this is not the only factor to consider. Here is the link to the Forbes website...

www.forbes.com/2004/11/23/04charityland.html

Bless you all and all the victims.

TTT - what an immense tragedy.

Indie, thank you. I thought that was the name but wanted to make sure. My Dr. that I had for many years (and a great world adventure traveler) always talked about them and what an awesome organization they are.

As absolutely horrendous as this is, the problems once again will not be the amount of foods/goods/medicines but how to get them there (distribution). They say all the roads in several worst hit areas were not paved and have washed out. They already are fighting physically over soggy noodles.

As bad as this tsunami is, it will mean that as relief goes toward areas that have huge proportions of deceased, the very best causes may also get lost now because of doctor draw. One of the most wonderful organizations in the world, in any category is Operation Smile. It is doctors and nurses who give two weeks of their own time free every year just to operate on clef palate. This doesn't sound like it belongs in a thread like this because this disaster was so much worse. But believe me, in Columbia the child literally has to walk around with a brown paper bag on his/her head or they are stoned. Last year they had to turn 3 and 4 year olds away that have never been able to leave their huts. This we can fix. It costs $240 to change a child's entire life. www.operationsmile.org

For this one I think money that is being put into displaced persons camps as they are exiting their countries may be a good thing. Some of them are starting now. Not in Thailand, but in the other island states- most are going to have to "leave" to survive. What a culture shock on top of everything else. How horrible can horrible get!

It doesn't get much worse, now does it. A friend mentioned Oxfam, so it has joined my list of end of year charities....tax time everyone!! Help your fellow humans.........we're all we got!

This is the worst natural disaster in my lifetime - it's mindnumbing and so tragic.

Thanks to all who have posted lists of charities and who keep this thread topped.

I'd like to add one more: Habitat for Humanity.

On their website, it says that in Sri Lanka a house could be reconstructed for $50-$100, since the foundations seem to be intact and only the houses themselves have been blown away.

It's heartwarming to see the outpouring of sympathy and generosity - keep up the good work!

bump

Yes, Tax time...do it today and be doubly rewarded!!!!

bump