What would be the best charity(s) to help the victims of the floods, tornadoes, etc?

[Beaverhausen]

Is the Red Cross still our best bet? I want to help.

thanks! :hi:

[oldtime dfl_er]

1. The Red Cross is on the ground

helping. I have family in Iowa and they say the RC is doing a great job. So I would say yes, the red cross.

www.redcross.org

[Frustratedlady]

8. I heard the same from my grandson in Cedar Rapids.

He said they were doing a great job.

[Tutonic]

2. Not the Red Cross.

A substantial amount of your donation goes to salaries and other "miscellaneous" costs. Also lest we forget Katrina--the Red Cross devoted much of its resources and time to assisting those on the outskirts of New Orleans who were the least in critical need. I'd give to Iowa United Way, or other organization.

[orleans]

3. hard to say. i seem to remember the red cross held/froze funds

for katrina that were raised/donated.

i don't have a good suggestion. sorry.

[lonestarnot]

4. Red Cross sucks at handling money! Isn't there a local group?

[Robbien]

5. I personally give to Second Harvest Food Bank and indicate it is to be

used in the disaster area state. Second Harvest doesn't really help with disaster relief, but they are there when all the other help organizations leave but the people are still needing help.

Second Harvest is great when putting contribution money to good use. Red Cross donations cover heavy administration costs.

[crickets]

6. It might be good to look for several different options over time

These all have good reputations AFAIK. Most were found through The Hunger Site after Katrina:

America's Second Harvest - http://www.secondharvest.org/

Others which aren't specifically helping the Midwest yet (according to their web sites), but probably will soon:

GreaterGood.org - http://greatergood.org/
Habitat for Humanity - http://www.habitat.org/
The Hunger Site - http://www.thehungersite.com/
Mercy Corps - http://www.mercycorps.org/

It's not bad idea to keep an eye out for animal shelters that step up to help the pet population in affected areas. This may become an issue as it did for Katrina, though probably not nearly the same scope.

eta: Also, calling some of these organizations may provide info that isn't online yet, or may speed up more overt direct action.

[Frustratedlady]

9. The animal rescue groups from Missouri were up in Iowa

helping with feeding and medical care. I believe they had 200-300 animals they were providing shelter for.

[crickets]

11. Good one

Quick Google - it's the Humane Society of Missouri Disaster Response Team.
http://www.hsmo.org/m_animalabuse/index.php

Thanks for the tip. :thumbsup:

[Contrary1]

7. You might check out Saint Vincent de Paul

in the various cities affected. Yeah, I know...it's a Catholic organization, but it is staffed by volunteers. They verify that those coming to them for assistance really do need it.

[Gormy Cuss]

10. The Red Cross is one option.

Although it has its problems, it is a 4 star rated charity at www.charitynavigator.com

You can use that site to identify more local charities in Iowa too through the search function.

[Beaverhausen]

12. kicking for more ideas