Typhoon Haiyan/Typhoon Yolanda recovery: How you can help
Typhoon Haiyan (also known as Typhoon Yolanda) devastated the Philippines on Nov. 8, 2013, and barreling itstowards Vietnam and on into southern China.
Officials fear there are thousands of dead in the Philippines, and some expect that millions will need basic aid during the still-unfolding rescue and recovery process, to say nothing of the billions of dollars in damage to homes and infrastructure.
Below is a list of some of the organizations that will be assisting in the recovery effort, with links to their sites to explore how they will be assisting, as well as opportunities for you to assist.
Before you donate either your time or money, please be aware that there are always scammers looking to profit on disasters. If you find an organization you are thinking of giving money to, check their credentials at the Charity Navigator (http://www.charitynavigator.org/), which evaluates the financial health and efficiency of more than 5,500 organizations, or at GuideStar (www.guidestar.org), which gathers and disseminates information about every single IRS-registered nonprofit organization.
Please note this is not an exhaustive list, and CBS News does not explicitly endorse any of the aid organizations listed below. This list is merely provided as a reference point for those considering donating to relief efforts.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. They are sending teams to assist in the Philippines.
Their website is here.
Doctors Without Borders works in nearly 70 countries providing medical aid to those most in need regardless of their race, religion, or political affiliation, and are always involved in disaster situations with crucial medical care.
Their website is here.
The International Committee of the Red Cross, established in 1863, works worldwide to provide humanitarian help for people affected by conflict and armed violence and to promote the laws that protect victims of war. It also provides assistance during natural disasters, and the Philippines Red Cross has already sprung into action to assist families in reconnecting.
Their website is here.
The International Medical Corps' Emergency Response Fund is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs. They are gathering teams to send to the Philippines.
Their website is here.
Save The Children supports children and families around the world affected by disaster. They are currently preparing to assist in the Philippines.
Their website is here.
The United Nations' Childrens' Fund (UNICEF) is currently rushing relief supplies to the region, and says up to four million children could be affected by the disaster.
Their website is here.
Mercy Corps is deploying some of their most seasoned emergency responders and will be working with partners on the ground to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of survivors. In the wake of one of the strongest storms in recorded history, families desperately need food, water, shelter and other basic supplies.
Their website is here.
The mGive Foundation is collecting donations from U.S. wireless subscribers, who can text AID to 80108 to give a $10 donation to the organization's Philippines Typhoon Diaster Relief Fund. Charges will appear on the user's wireless bill or will be deducted from a prepaid balance. Text STOP to 80108 to stop or HELP for assistance.
Learn more about their donation system here.
World Vision has worked in the Philippines for more than 55 years, and is currently mobilizing nearly 500 staff around the country to respond to assist in the relief effort with food, clean water, hygiene kits, emergency shelter and more.
Their website is here.
The American Jewish World Service, the leading Jewish international development and human rights organization, is collecting funds to provide aid on the ground in the Philippines.
Their website is here.
The Helping Hand for Relief and Development organization is one of America's highest rated Muslim charities, and has begun collecting donations for their relief efforts.
Their website is here.
GlobalGiving is a charity fundraising web site that gives social entrepreneurs and non-profits from anywhere in the world a chance to raise the money that they need to improve their communities.
Their website is here.
There are also several clearing houses for information on the numerous organizations providing assistance to Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts. One of the largest is InterAction.
Their website focusing on typhoon relief is here.