How to help .... really

I just saw a report about some well meaning people in Chicago trying to put together a shipment of shoes, blankets and other things to help the people in the Philippines after the typhoon. Bless their well intentioned hearts, but that doesn't work. What does work is to finance qualified people who know how to do it and supply them the resources they need to accomplish the task THERE. China, Japan and South Korea have what they need to buy (Blankets, shoes, water and food). Money will get it underway. So if you care, send money. I have opinions on which are the most effective at using money well.. starting with Catholic Charities (over Red Cross). They are already on site, well infrastructured and able.