So far Japan has seen about 9% of the donations as the 9-11 event generated.

A small percent ever reaches the intended needy as in the case of Haiti which has seen lest than half of what was ever pldeged or given.

THe big don't is to give to a new charity based outside Japan.

New on scene are text message charities, This is when a "phone" company will take what you pledge from your next bill and pass it to a charity some tine within 33 months to a year later. Naturally they will put the charity money in a seperate account to build interest and skim it off for themselves before passing on the principle, when ever they see fit.

Red Cross within Japan is a better option than the US branch.

Telephone drives, dubious.or even criminal

Sadly most charities like the ones you see at the grocery store that ask for a dollar as part of your purchase, keep for salaries and handling charges. It makes foar more mondy for Safeway and the charity ceo than for victims.

If you have advice or best choices let us know.