How Do I Know

How To Give?

I have read with interest in various papers, and have heard in TV news programming, the concern that people have that money they give, in response to the Katrina disaster, will not reach its intended goal. This letter is, I guess, directed to people who are church-related among your readership.

I am a member of the United Church of Christ, and it is always possible to send a check to my church, designated for any cause, knowing that the check will be forwarded to our national denomination and that it will then be used efficiently and effectively for the designated purpose.

For one thing, I know that they will not try to re-invent the wheel. If I were to send money, for instance, to be used in the Sudan, I know that if my denomination does not have a presence there, they will forward my money to another denomination or group that they know is reliable. 

I do not know, but it would be my assumption that this procedure, or something similar, is available through any recognized religious entity. It is very freeing to me, because I end up feeling that my gift is being used well, and I never have to figure out which group is and isn't "on the level." 

Betty Edson

Randolph