As you’re probably well aware, Haiti just suffered a catastrophic earthquake, leaving their country in ruins and possibly thousands dead. Beyond extending them your thoughts of concern, you can also donate to any number of charitable organizations that are urgently addressing the need arising from this grave situation.

When dealing with charities, it’s best to pay attention to just whom you’re donating to, remaining mindful of their legitimacy. While there are a lot of charitable sources that would appreciate your help,  this tragedy has also unearthed unscrupulous sorts who would take advantage of kind hearts. Below, you’ll find sites to which your donations are welcome, and some information on possible scams you should avoid:

• The American Red Cross is a well known organization that addresses need the world over. They’re now in Haiti, assisting the victims of this devastating event. You can donate money, volunteer your time, and provide other forms of support.
• UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders are also there, lending their hand.
• If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of charities to which you can donate, The Daily Beast has compiled a list of non-governmental organizations lending a hand to the cause, with additional information about what each service provides.
• Reddit.com, that source to which you can post all kinds of news, has set up their own donation site. Every dollar you donate to Reddit will go directly to Haiti, with none of the money used for any other purpose.

If you really want to help, it’s advisable to send just money – not stuff. Right now, money is critical, with that financial assistance going towards the replenishment of much needed supplies. If you experiencing some ambivalence over donating funds to organizations you’re not sure about, these resources should allay some of your fears:

• Charity Navigator assesses organizations and rates them accordingly, listing those services that have received three or four star ratings from their studies (such ratings denote trustworthiness and competency).
• The Foundation Center is helpful resource that unveils the tax filing and non-profit status of an organization.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti. As more sites become available, we will update you on the best way to donate to the entities now addressing this tragic ordeal.