While thousands of Americans have already pledged $9 million to Haitian relief agencies this week by punching a code and donating $10 via a text on their cell phones, you might be disappointed to know you could probably swim to Haiti and hand deliver your money faster than your donation will actually get there. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, CNN, and users of Twitter have urged people to punch 90999 and then type in the word "HAITI" on their phones to send $10 to the American Red Cross. But the money won't be routed from most U.S. wireless carriers to relief efforts until cell phone users actually pay their phone bills. That means each donation could take 30 to 90 days to arrive-- well after the critical initial days in which humanitarian aid organizations are trying to deliver medical supplies, food and water to save injured earthquake victims and help others with their most immediate needs. Following questions about the lag time, Verizon Wireless said late Friday that it planned to go ahead and send nearly $3 million customers have pledged to the American Red Cross, and that it would continue to advance funds as pledges come in. Nearly a dozen text-messaging programs have popped up nearly overnight, including ones that send money to relief operations operated by the Red Cross and even singer Wyclef Jean. The Red Cross program has become one of the most popular efforts. (Wall Street Journal)

For a list of other ways to donate to relief organization, visit the krvn.com "Haiti" page.

In an effort to assist you in making a responsible decision, the Better Business Bureau suggests you follow these guidelines:

1. Use your head as well as your heart.  Beware of telephone solicitations. The ultimate telephone solicitation scam can result when callers secure your pledge for a donation to a non-existent charity.
2. If you are tempted to respond to a telephone appeal, request that literature be sent to you along with the organizations latest financial statement before you make a contribution.  This information will allow you to determine how much of your donation actually goes to the cause, how much to fund raising and administrative costs.
3. Beware of "runners" who will be right over to pick up your check.
4. Never make cash donations, always pay by check with the endorsement made out to the charity, not the person collecting.
5. Bona fide solicitors will welcome the requests, and gladly furnish the information.  Bogus solicitors will not be able to provide this information or will attempt to talk themselves out of an uncomfortable situation and go on to a less educated giver.