FTC Urges Wise Giving for Katrina Relief

The Federal Trade Commission has issued a Consumer Alert, Helping Victims of Hurricane Katrina: Your Guide to Giving Wisely, in which it suggests that "the best way to provide immediate assistance [to Katrina victims] is to donate money directly to established national relief organizations with the experience and means to deliver aid." The alert contains several specific tips on giving wisely, including

• Give directly to the charity, not the solicitors for the charity. That’s because solicitors take a portion of the proceeds to cover their costs, which leaves less for victim assistance.

• Don’t give or send cash. For security and tax record purposes, contribute by check or credit card. Write the official name of the charity on your check. You can contribute safely online through national charities like www.redcross.org/donate.

SOURCE: beSpacific