Want to help? Want to help? (December 31, 2004)

The best way to give assistance to those abroad is to open your wallet, not your cupboard, according to the American Red Cross Santa Clara Valley chapter.

The difficulty of sending food, clothing or medicine abroad precludes those types of donations to the Red Cross. Instead the organization suggests that individuals contribute financially. The money will be used to purchase supplies needed. You can either donate directly to the Santa Clara Valley Chapter office at 2713 North First St. in San Jose or make a contribution online. You can also donate over the phone at (408) 577-2049. The Palo Alto branch of the American Red Cross is closed until Jan. 3.

Before donating to any organization, you should always ask for written information about the charity's mission, how the donation will be used and proof that the contribution is tax-deductible. Below is a list of other local organizations providing relief to those affected by the earthquake and tsunami: :The Dharmapala Institute

Sri Lankan Buddhist temple 409 S. Temple Drive Milpitas, Calif. 95035 (408) 934-3985.
Association for India's Development

Checks to the ``Relief and Rehabilitation Fund'' can be mailed to AID Zone 3 Box 4801 Mountain View, Calif. 94040-0801. www.aidindia.org (888) 825-5224
The local chapter of the Network of Indian Professionals will host a fund raiser at 8 p.m. Jan. 21, the Atrium, 101 California St., San Francisco More information: Milan Mantri, milan4@gmail.com.

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