Modulous:
My understanding is also as the others have stated...but that's not the reason for my reply. Instead, here's why I did not donate to the Red Cross. While I do think that the Red Cross provides a valuable service, the problem, as I understand it, is that they have a relatively short term response (albeit a very important one). At the same time however, they receive a vast majority of the donations. The problem, then, is what about all the other, smaller organizations that attempt to help long after the storm. Many receive little or no moneys because everyone knows and donates to the Red Cross. Personally, I have friends in Louisiana and I have contacted them to ask to whom they think I should donate. Habitat for Humanity comes to mind, but there are many other groups that help in finding jobs, rebuilding, and other, long term aid programs. I'd rather send my money to them; they need it more than the Red Cross. Anyway, that's just my humble opinion.