Both very valid observations - donations towards sustainable projects are usually the best thought out.However, I do feel that one needs to be alive in order to learn.
They are burying 30-40 people a day in one camp in Ethopia at present. The one local aid agency on the ground suggests that if the situation continues for a few days longer that will reach the hundreds.
The best thing about The Hunger Siteis as far as I can determine it only costs you a couple of moments of your time...
Hyp.