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Ways you can help Puerto Rico

In this Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, file photo, people affected by Hurricane Maria wait in line at Barrio Obrero to receive supplies from the National Guard, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Maria has devastated Puerto Rico, destroying buildings and leaving its more than 3.4 million residents largely without power. Food and drinking water are also difficult to come by, and the recovery will be long, difficult and expensive. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti, File)
In this Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, file photo, people affected by Hurricane Maria wait in line at Barrio Obrero to receive supplies from the National Guard, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Maria has devastated Puerto Rico, destroying buildings and leaving its more than 3.4 million residents largely without power. Food and drinking water are also difficult to come by, and the recovery will be long, difficult and expensive. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti, File) In this Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, file photo, people affected by Hurricane Maria wait in line at Barrio Obrero to receive supplies from the National Guard, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Maria has devastated Puerto Rico, destroying buildings and leaving its more than 3.4 million residents largely without power. Food and drinking water are also difficult to come by, and the recovery will be long, difficult and expensive. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti, File)

By Associated Press 5 min read

NEW YORK – Hurricane Maria has devastated Puerto Rico, destroying buildings leaving its more than 3.4 million residents largely without power. Food and drinking water are also difficult to come by, and the recovery will be long, difficult and expensive.

While the urge to donate clothes and other supplies is natural, money is the best way to contribute during times of disaster, charities and philanthropy experts say. That’s not to say there’s never a time and place for supplies. Diapers, for example, are often requested. And donating directly through a website gets money to a charity faster than a text donation, even though the text might seem easier.

Here’s how to make sure you are giving in a way that matters the most.

GIVE TO ESTABLISHED CHARITIES

GuideStar’s website has a database that lets you vet charities . You can find information on a charity’s expenses, assets and revenue, as well as its programs. Stacy Palmer, editor of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, also suggests looking at a charity’s website for information on how it will use donations. And look through local news reports for information on a charity’s work, or contact the local United Way (in this case, Puerto Rico’s). It’s up to you whether to go with a local charity that might know the area better, or a national charity that has wider reach.