People feel a need to help others. Such instinct comes out especially strongly after large-scale tragedies like earthquakes or hurricanes. Sending money can feel cold, so some people deside to help in more personal ways - they travel to the location or put together packages to help the victims. Even though well meant, such help can end up being troublesome to the professional rescuers - newcomers might not be prepared for the circumstances and end up needing rescuing themselves, packed and sent medicines, toys or clothes might not be the right kind needed in certain situations.

To make sure your well-intended help is actually of help to as many as possible, donate money to professional helpers - Médecins Sans Frontières, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Child Fund International, or a charity in your area. Giving money ensures that rescuers can buy exactly the items needed and do it locally as much as possible - that helps the economy there, plus makes the help faster and cheaper as it doesn't need to be flown in. Money is also the most universal means of help, it can be used anywhere where a need arises. Just make sure your donation is unrestricted and can be used to help anybody in need, not just the latest crisis that made the news.

To help people who are less fortunate than you, find a charity you feel good about and donate them money. If single donation doesn't seem enough, set up regular payments, and remember, even a little bit can help a lot. Charity donations are tax deductible, so keep records to make sure you have them handy when it's time to do your tax return.