For a complete list of charities the Better Business Bureau recommends, click here.

HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE SCAMS TO WATCH FOR
They're already coming out of the woodwork...tryting to take advantage of those devastated by the earthquake in Haiti. Some tips for you....

1. Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity. Be
cautious when relying on third-party recommendations such as bloggers or
other Web sites, as they might not have fully researched the listed
relief organizations. The public can go to http://www.bbb.org/us/charity/ to
research charities and relief organizations to verify that they are
accredited by BBB and meet the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

2. Be wary of claims that 100 percent of donations will assist relief
victims. Despite what an organization might claim, charities have
fundraising and administrative costs. Even a credit card donation will
involve, at a minimum, a processing fee. If a charity claims 100 percent
of collected funds will be assisting earthquake victims, the truth is
that the organization is still probably incurring fundraising and
administrative expenses. They may use some of their other funds to pay
this, but the expenses will still be incurred.

3. Be cautious when giving online. Be cautious about online giving,
especially in response to spam messages and e-mails that claim to link
to a relief organization. In response to the tsunami disaster in 2004,
there were concerns raised about many Web sites and new organizations
that were created overnight allegedly to help victims.

4. Find out if the charity has an on-the-ground presence in the
impacted areas. Unless the charity already has staff in the effected
areas, it may be difficult to get new aid workers to quickly provide
assistance. See if the charity's Web site clearly describes what they
can do to address immediate needs.

5. Find out if the charity is providing direct aid or raising money
for other groups. Some charities may be raising money to pass along to
relief organizations. If so, you may want to consider "avoiding the
middleman" and giving directly to charities that have a presence in the
region. Or, at a minimum, check out the ultimate recipients of these
donations to ensure the organizations are equipped to effectively
provide aid.

6. Ask before giving gifts of clothing, food or other in-kind
donations. In-kind drives for food and clothing-while well
intentioned-may not necessarily be the quickest way to help those in
need, unless the organization has the staff and infrastructure to be
able to properly distribute such aid. Ask the charity about their
transportation and distribution plans. Be wary of those who are not
experienced in disaster relief assistance.

* Do not give out personal information such as credit card or bank
account numbers over the phone. Legitimate charities will accept
contributions by check, which should always be made payable to the
organization not the person collecting the donation.

* Beware of callers who want your money fast. When solicited by
phone, always ask the caller to send you written materials about the
charity. No legitimate organization will insist that you donate
immediately. Watch out for solicitors who employ dramatic, emotional or
heart-tugging stories.

* Do not donate cash. Legitimate charities will be pleased to
receive a contribution by check. Don’t send contributions with a
“runner,” by wire or overnight parcel pick-up service.

* Be sure you are contributing to a legitimate organization..You can
also visit www.guidestar.org , a national clearinghouse of information
about charities and their performance.

Go to http://www.bbb.org/us/charity/ or http://www.guidestar.org to
check out the charities...

EMERGENCY 411
Wherever help is needed, these organizations are there! If you'd like to help them:

American Red Cross
1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669) English
1-800-257-7575 Spanish
To donate online: http://www.redcross.org/donate/donate.html
Or send a check to:
American Red Cross
P.O. Box 37243
Washington, D.C. 20013

Salvation Army
1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/USNSAHome.htm
or mail checks labeled 'disaster relief,' to
PO BOX 4857
JACKSON, MS
39296-4857

Humane Society
1-888-259-5431
https://secure.hsus.org/01/disaster_relief_fund_2005?
Or send a check to:
HSUS Disaster Relief Fund
HSUS, Dept. DRFHBM,
2100 L Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20037