Cox News Service

WASHINGTON — Money is more useful than food, clothing or teddy bears for charities trying to help the victims, the rescuers and their families from Tuesday’s terrorist attacks, leaders of national nonprofit groups said Saturday.

Many Americans agree. Within three days, donations to the American Red Cross exceeded $21 million and the September 11 Fund formed by the New York Community Trust and the United Way had collected more than $70 million. Those totals, raised online or in big donations from corporations and foundations, are expected to soar this week, as the first mailed donations pour in.

But some scams have arisen, and some sincere efforts to help seem disorganized. Give only through people or groups that you know or have checked out, the leaders cautioned.

"If people give us money, we can give vouchers to people, so they can buy exactly the clothing or food or other supplies that they need at the moment," said Kelly Alexander, a spokeswoman in the Washington headquarters of the American Red Cross. "It’s simpler and more efficient than storing, inspecting, sorting through, and then distributing goods."

Caring people from all over the world have collected such items, or teddy bears, toys and other comforts for newly orphaned children. Alexander said they could raise money for agencies that offer relief, recovery or long-term support for those children by selling or auctioning the goods at a benefit, or "by donating perishables to their local food bank."

But be sure that any proceeds go through people or groups that you know or can check out, warned Bennett Weiner, chief operating officer of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.