This is a short "interim" newsletter that comes on the heels of the worst American tragedy most of us have ever seen. Like most of us, Americans and otherwise, I spent most of the last two days riveted to the television set, watching the destruction in endless video replay and listening to parades of commentators, politicians, and stricken people who either survived the attacks themselves, witnessed them from a "safe" vantage point, or lost family members. Like everyone with any decency and civilization to their soul, I grieve for the victims. And like so many others, I want to do something to help.

That's the subject of this mailing.

According to a recent newsletter from Scambusters, the jackals have already decided on a way to feed on this tragedy. Many people are trying to contact the Red Cross to donate blood or money to the victims. It's a commendable response, and one that is greatly needed. However, apparently there are a number of Web sites offering to process cash or credit card donations through their own sites. In other words, send your money to these guys, and they promise to funnel the donations to the Red Cross (or other worthy organizations).

No, they won't. At least a lot of them won't.

If you want to donate money, or blood or food or clothing or anything, here's some valid contact information:

The Red Cross:
www.redcross.org/
1-800-HELP-NOW
1-800-435-7669 (English speaking)
1-800-257-7575 (Spanish speaking)
Amazon has set up a legitimate donation channel for the Red Cross, which has been overwhelmed by the response. Just go to Amazon to donate. It's worth noting that many local branches of the Red Cross have been swamped by the numbers of people who want to donate. You might do well to wait until tomorrow or Friday to donate, or even later. According to the nurse at my local branch, donated blood needs to be used within 5 days. They anticipate a tremendous need for blood for at least the next two weeks, so it won't hurt to wait to donate. You can only donate once every two months or so, anyway. You can help as much by donating next week as you can tomorrow.

Blood can also be donated in New York City at the New York Blood Center:
www.nybloodcenter.org/

For a listing of Red Cross-operated shelters in New York City, go to:
www.nyc.gov/food_shelter.html

Another legitimate victim's outreach organization is NOVA (National Organization for Victim Assistance):
www.try-nova.org/
1-202-232-6682

The United Way is also taking donations for the victims of the New York attacks:
www.uwnyc.org/
www.uwnyc.org/

As is the Salvation Army:
www.christianity.com/salvationarmyusa/
1-800-SAL-ARMY

For assistance to the victims of the Washington, D.C. attack, contact:
www.dc-cares.org/
1-202-289-7378 ext. 137
U.S. Justice Department's Family Assistance Center Victims Hotline:
1-800-331-0075
Army personnel assigned to the Pentagon on Sept. 11 (or families trying to locate their loved ones) to call 1-800-984-8523 or 703-428-0002.
Navy and Marine personnel assigned to the Pentagon should call 1-877-663-6772.
The Office of Victims of Crime has established a hotline at 1-800-331-0075, to leave contact information to get more details about victims and survivors.

For info about how to help the victims in the Pittsburgh attack:
Bethlehem Haven
trfn.clpgh.org/bethlehemhaven/
Pennsylvania Medical Society
www.pamedsoc.org/

A lot of pets and animals have been affected by the attacks, also. Contact the ASPCA for ways to help:
www.aspca.com/

If you need to try to contact friends or loved ones who may have been lost or injured in the attacks, here's the place to start:
www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2001/trade.center/contacts.html

Or for info on people who may have been on the hijacked flights:
American Airlines: 1-800-245-0999
United Airlines: 1-800-932-8555

If you know anything about the attacks and want to help bust the bastards who perpetrated it, contact the FBI at: www.ifccfbi.gov/

Last and definitely least, I've published an article on the attacks here:
www.slant-six.org/display.asp?type=a&id=87
It's a response to a Russian news broadcaster's call for American opinions and response. (Note: Slant Six has gone the way of the dodo, and the article isn't available anywhere on the Net at this time.)

Thanks for your help and concern in this time of trouble. And thanks to Scambusters for alerting us to this problem. Everyone needs to help in some way, and our help needs to actually get where it's needed. The folks at Scambusters have provided an invaluable service. It's my privilege and my duty to pass their info along.