MORE ON 'KATRINA" DONATIONS

The September 4th Ask Dow Jones column by Tom Herman (from the Wall Street Journal via the Daily Herald) answers some questions about checking the validity of charitable organizations before you donate--Give.Org is one source--, as well as IRS rules on charitable giving and info for victims of the disaster.

Most religious organizations are also collecting donations. This coming weekend might be a good time to go to the church/synagogue/temple of your choice--even if you usually only go once a year--for an "easy" way to donate. Or, you could just contact the administrative office and drop off a donation; they will be sure to get the donations to where they are needed most.