U.S. Charities See Strong Response for Cyclone Victims

Americans are responding to the devastation wrought by the cyclone in Burma last week with an outpouring of support to American charities and relief groups, but geopolitics are complicating their efforts.

Aid workers and supplies from some American nonprofit groups are not being allowed into the country, and some of those charities said Wednesday they are refusing to funnel aid through the Burma government. Instead of directing philanthropic dollars through the ruling junta government, some charities said, they are directly assisting relief agencies on the ground in Burma.

Still, Americans are opening their wallets to help those left orphaned, hungry, and homeless by the storm.

Save the Children, one of the largest aid groups operating in Burma, said it received $644,000 in private contributions in 24 hours and will issue a plea for $10 million.

Other American-based charities launched multimillion-dollar drives to deliver rice, fresh water, and plastic sheets, and students at Harvard University are selling red Burma T-shirts to raise money for victims.