DONATING TO HELP "KATRINA" VICTIMS

There are many ways to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, most of them through established charitable institutions. Network for Good has a very comprehensive list (including websites and phone numbers), including religious affiliates and ones for helping animals. So does National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters, and The Washington Post Online Resources.

Additional local organizations, possibly with "matching" opportunities, include the McCormick Tribune Foundation, World Vision of Chicago, Chicago Helps Fund, and Chris Duhan's Chicago Bulls Stand Tall Foundation.

Before writing a check, though, take a look at Tips for Contributing to Charities and Charity Navigator Guidlines; these may help avoid wasting money on scams.

For crafters interested in donating quilts, check out The American Quilter's Society and Quilters Comfort America. Jill Kuraitis has set up a challenge for quilters regarding this project. Guidelines for types of quilts that would be acceptable can be found at Quilt Relief.