``In a crisis of this magnitude and of this nature, it's unlikely a new group could provide quick assistance to those in need,'' said Bennett Weiner, chief operating officer of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance based in Arlington, Va.

He said to never give credit card information to anyone making unsolicited calls to you or to someone sending you spam e-mail.

The Better Business Bureau's Web site has additional advice:

* Never send cash. Make a check or money order out to the name of the charitable organization, not to the person collecting the donation.

* Watch for excessive pressure for on-the-spot donations. Be wary of any request to send a ``runner'' to pick up your contribution.

Donors can find more advice on giving and can read reports on national charities at www.give.org, Wise Giving Alliance's Web site.

To donate to the American Red Cross, send checks to The Disaster Relief Fund, American Red Cross, P.O. Box 30734, Tampa FL 33630-3734. To designate your gift for Hurricane Katrina victims, make note of that on your donation.

Red Cross donations also can be made by calling 1-800-435-7669 or going to www.redcross.org.

To give to the Salvation Army, call 1-800-725-2769 or send checks earmarked to Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 4857, Jackson MS 39296-4857. You may donate online at www.salvation armyusa.org. armyusa.org.

The Florida Aquarium in Tampa is collecting money to send to employees and families affiliated with New Orleans' waterfront Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. For information, call (813) 273-4000.

Winn-Dixie shoppers can donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund as they check out.

Wal-Mart and Sam's Club also are taking donations for Salvation Army relief efforts.