What's the best way to donate to victims of the hurricane(s)?

[Edwin Santos]

There's always a question in my mind about whether my donated dollars are going primarily to those in need or mostly to administrative expenses, or maybe other places.

Any suggestions about the best agencies or methods for helping, where effectiveness of your dollars is the key concern? Thanks

[Malcolm Schweizer]

Thank you, Edwin, for your kindness. If you want to help one of our active members who took the eye wall of the storm (me), you can donate to http://vi.salvationarmy.org/virginislands/ I sit on the advisory board and see the financials (I am an unpaid volunteer). I can assure you that the money is going to relief work. If a faith-based organization is not your thing, then you can donate to http://www.mybrothersworkshop.org I volunteer here teaching woodworking to at-risk youth. They also have a cafe and bakery that teaches culinary and customer service skills to at-risk youth. Because the Salvation Army building was badly damaged in the storm, we converted the MBW cafe and bakery into a feeding station and are feeding hundreds of people a day. In fact, with food in short supply and power not yet restored, it is where my own family is getting fed each day. Also MBW is working to help with rebuild efforts after the storm. Each of the above have only a few paid employees. All others are volunteers like myself. This storm has drained their funds and every penny you give will help keep their relief efforts going.