Operation USA is a much better option than Red Cross. Their overhead is miniscule, and it is one of the largest relief NGO. Richard Walden, the director, gave me four duffel bags of medication to bring with me to a hospital in rural Nicaragua...like, had me come in to one of their warehouses and walked around with me loading up bags with things he knew to be in short supply there. I'd like to see the red cross provide direct relief like that, without worrying about taking credit or how it is getting there. It blew my mind, and was immensely appreciated by the recipients.

Side note, I made it through US and Nicaragua customs with 8000 aspirin and a myriad of tampons, bandages, antibiotics, and surgical equipment, no questions asked.

www.opusa.org

Anyone wishing for their philanthropy to actually make it to those in need should take note.