Worthy Causes - leading causes domestic, international, and non-profit

On Monday, May 12th, at 2:28pm an earthquake measuring a horrifying 7.8 on the Richter scale shook southwestern China's province of Sichuan. Unsurprisingly the nat-ural disaster destroyed many buildings and communication towers making it even more difficult to reach those in need. Currently over 12,000 people have died due to the eartquake, many more injured, and still there are thousands missing.

Most of us are shocked at the numbers, horrified at the images we see on the news. We here are not exceptions -- if you are looking for reliable organizations to give a monetary donation in order to help those struck hardest in China, consider the following:

Red Cross
Ever since the beginning the ever reliable, the ever present Red Cross is accepting donations and aid from anyone and everyone. You can read more about how you can help on their website.

More organizations to come soon...

Here are more notable non-profit organizations focused on relieving the world's pain from diseases, displacement, and epidemics while helping people in need of medicine, food, shelter, and cures.

Doctors Without Borders
(aka Medecins Sans Frontieres) "is an independent int'l medical humanitarian organization delivering emergency aid to people affected by by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters, or exclusion from health care in more than 70 countries."

UNHCR (The UN Refugee Agency)
"Builds support in the United States for the humanitarian work of the UN Refugee Agency. Their mission is to inform Americans about the plight of refugees and advocates for their protection."

World Food Programme
This UN chapter provides food aid for those affected by natural disasters, displacement, and global hunger.

American Near East Refugee Aid
Founded in 1968 following the Arab-Israeli War, this organization was developed to help displaced refugees. They focus on improving communities throughout the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, and Jordan by developing schools, universities, medical facilities, and other necessary community businesses.

American Cancer Society
Best known for their work in the research, prevention, and education of cancer. A leading organization in the fight against cancer, they have aided in spreading the word of cancer facts and statistics.

American Red Cross
Known for its emergency aid for those affected by disaster and epidemic, the Red Cross has been a pioneer in providing medical relief for those most in need during the most dire moments. You can help by donating, giving blood, volunteering, and donating goods.

Alliance for Justice
"A national association of environmental, civil rights, mental health, women's, children's and consumer advocacy organizations." They have worked and continue working on supporting and improving a "progressive agenda to protect and improve our civil justice system."

Natural Resources Defense Council
"...the nation's most effective environmental action organization. They use law, science and hte support of 1.2 million members and online activists to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things."