It is hard to imagine what it would be like to lose all your worldly possessions. Yet, that's exactly what has happened to hundreds of thousands of people in the Gulf Coast area.

Other World Computing has donated to The American Red Cross. This charity as well as others listed below are a great way to help out in this time of need.

Here is a list of sites that are taking donations for the victims of Hurricane Katrina:

The Network for Good has a good list of organizations you can contribute to as they try to help the people of the Gulf recover.

Feed the Children also is taking donations to help the youngest victims of the ferocious storm.

World Vision also is supporting Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

The United Way is accepting donations.

In a time of such desperation, even the smallest donation can have a large impact.

------------------------------------

The sad truth about times of tragedy is it sometimes brings out the worst in people while the majority are trying to help. To make sure your donations are going to legitimate charities, you can take the following steps*:

• Research the charity on charitywatch.org, give.org or freedomcorps.gov
• Go directly to a charity's Web site.
• If donating online double check the URL
• Be wary of e-mail solicitations. Charities don't send out unsolicited mail asking for donations.

If you find that or are suspicious that a 'charity' that's supposed to be helping is actually a scam outfit making victims of those that would help - report it, online, to the FBI's Crime Complaint Center.

*Suggestions taken from CNN.com article published Jan. 6, 2005