US$100,000 worth assistance to Indonesians displaced by Sinabung eruptions | The Jakarta Post

US$100,000 worth assistance to Indonesians displaced by Sinabung eruptions | The Jakarta Post: S Ambassador Robert Blake has offered US$100,000 to support the Indonesian government’s disaster relief in response to the ongoing Mount Sinabung eruptions in North Sumatra.

Pomeroy students raise money for relief in Philippines | Community Spirit | LC Valley News

Pomeroy students raise money for relief in Philippines | Community Spirit | LC Valley News: As of Thursday morning, the students have raised over $700. That means the students have successfully raised enough money shave the heads of the Principal/Superintendent and also pie their two counselors and lead teachers in the face. But the students are hoping to reach their other goals:

4,500 still without electricity and heat; more crews arrive to help restore power - LancasterOnline: Local News

4,500 still without electricity and heat; more crews arrive to help restore power - LancasterOnline: Local News: With thousands still without power, President Barack Obama on Thursday declared a state of emergency in Lancaster and six other Pennsylvania counties.

As Haiyan hits 3-month mark, World Vision to help survivors rebuild, recover for long term

As Haiyan hits 3-month mark, World Vision to help survivors rebuild, recover for long term: Cebu - With more than half a million people provided with survival goods during the first three months of World Vision’s response to Typhoon Haiyan, the response team is now focusing on helping families and communities rebuild.

Knights of Columbus to donate more than $750,000 for relief efforts in Philippines | Church Executive

Knights of Columbus to donate more than $750,000 for relief efforts in Philippines | Church Executive: n the aftermath of the Philippines’ Typhoon Haiyan — considered the strongest recorded storm ever to make landfall — the Knights of Columbus will donate more than $750,000 to assist in relief efforts.

N.J. Outlines Plans for Next $1.46 Billion in Sandy Aid

N.J. Outlines Plans for Next $1.46 Billion in Sandy Aid: Gov. Chris Christie outlined his spending plan Monday for $1.46 billion set to come to New Jersey in the second wave of last-resort federal funds approved by the Obama administration in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

The proposal calls for about half of the money to be directed toward homeowner assistance,

Effective giving - Emporia Gazette: Editorials

Effective giving - Emporia Gazette: Editorials: People want to help; it is human nature to want to help. And many aid agencies offer just that opportunity as they fundraise for relief efforts. But if we give to them, does it actually make a difference?

This isn’t about deceitful and fraudulent charities. Scams are easy to avoid with a modest amount of due diligence. I’m talking about the legitimate charities trying to do good. Do they actually improve conditions at the disaster sites?

The answer is yes, but disaster relief is notably less effective than many other forms of aid.

Philippine typhoon victims receive HK$2 million in aid from Hong Kong | South China Morning Post

Philippine typhoon victims receive HK$2 million in aid from Hong Kong | South China Morning Post: More than HK$2 million worth of aid, financed by Hong Kong’s Disaster Relief Fund, is being distributed in Philippine towns hit by Typhoon Haiyan.

Relief packs featuring essential food stuffs, survival items and sanitary supplies are being handed out to about 5,000 families in the remote central Philippine towns of Ajuy, Batad and San Dionisio in Iloilo province.