Sisters residents have many choices for helping tsunami aid effort

Many Sisters area residents are interested in donating to help with relief efforts in tsunami-ravaged areas of South Asia.

The tsunami that followed a 9.0 earthquake near Sumatra on December 26 has claimed more than 150,000 lives.

Here are some of the local and national organizations accepting donations to help victims of the South Asian tsunami. Most groups recommend that people donate money rather than supplies.

The Nugget Newspaper does not endorse or recommend any specific organization or program. Check programs carefully before donating.

Consumer guidelines for giving can be found on the Web site for the U.S. Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/tmarkg/charity.htm.

• American Red Cross -- Donations may be made online by going to www.redcross.org and following the instructions on the home page.

  Donations may also be sent to the International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.

  For more information about donating, call 800-435-7669.

  For information about friends or relatives who may have been victims, call 866-438-4636.

• CARE USA -- Donations may be made online at www.careusa.org.

  Contributions may also be made by phone at 800-422-7385 or 800-521-CARE. E-mail [email protected]