Sending money is the most efficient way to help with physical needs of earthquake victims. But U.S. sanctions against the Islamic government in Tehran should make donors wary of giving money directly to Iranian-based organizations. Charitable contributions to Western groups, designated for Iran quake relief, are acceptable under sanctions. Reputable organizations say designated funds will be used for the designated purpose.

The American Red Cross is the largest group accepting designated donations for earthquake victims. Other private charities specifically aiding Bam-area victims include:

Elam Ministries

9689-D Main Street

Fairfax, VA 22031

(Please mark your gift "Iran Earthquake")

info@elam.com

International Mission Board of Southern Baptists

3806 Monument Ave.

P.O. Box 6767

Richmond, VA 23230-0767

(Please mark your gift "Iran Earthquake Ð General Relief")

(800) 999-3113 / www.imb.org

Mercy Corps

Dept. W

P.O. Box 2669

Portland, OR 97208-2669

(888) 256-1900 / www.mercycorps.org

Persian World Outreach

P.O. Box 62

Quinton, NJ 08072

(Please mark your gift "Earthquake Fund")

www.persianwo.org

World Relief

P.O. Box 868

Baltimore, MD 21203

Donate online at: www.wr.org

(Designate to "Iran Earthquake")

(800) 535-5433

World Vision

P.O. Box 78481

Tacoma, WA 98481-8481

(888) 511-6569 / www.worldvision.org

World Witness

(Board of Foreign Missions of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church)

One Cleveland Street, Suite 220

Greenville, SC 29601

(Please mark your gift "Iran Relief")

(864) 233-5226 / www.worldwitness.org