With the death toll now over 150,000, the tidal wave (tsunami) that hit the shores of the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2005 has become the worst natural disaster in human history.
This Tidal Wave Aid website is designed to help you provide aid responsibly. Don't wait...help is needed now and you can provide relief today. Please give generously.
As always, there will be those ready to take advantage of someone else's misery or good intentions. Be wary of slick TV aid campaigns. Even the honest ones often require tons of money to operate. Overhead costs eat away at funds intended for those in need. And money is what is needed most right now.
An excellent place to make a donation may be as close as your local church, synagogue, mosque or temple.
Most people aren't aware of this incredibly efficient network of aid. Check with your local religious organization and chances are, every penny of what you give will go directly to those who need it most. You will probably find they are taking up special offerings for this purpose right now. These are good people doing good things. No advertising costs (this is why you won't see their ads on TV), no overhead, just direct aid. Faith communities can provide some of the best channels for effective and safe giving. They are the quiet giant of disaster relief.
You can also make donations online:
National Websites for Various Religious Organizations
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
SOUTHERN BAPTIST INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SERVICE COMMITTEE
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST GLOBAL MINISTRIES
American Institute of Philanthropy Ranking of Top International Relief Organizations
(includes contact information)
The Zone Diet
