Olivia - Thank you for your generosity! Money is a very important part of the recovery effort. This particular disaster is so vast in scope IMHO that the organizations who are big enough to mobilize a meaningful response can do the most good (ie, Red Cross, Salvation Army, other large faith-based organizations). In other situations (ie, a more local event), I'd view it differently.

I'm reminded of the saying "each according to their ability". I can take the time right now to be "hands on"; five years ago that would have been impossible. Three weeks from now it will be impossible. So I do what I can when I can.

BTW, I think the CNN headline said FEMA was thinking about giving the debit cards out, not the Red Cross.

Now let's get back to daydreaming about pink sand (ahh) .. pink sand (ahh) .. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy yourself. I look forward to hearing all about it!

Cheers, Anne