Thank you Jefe!

The primarily affected areas are Samar Island and Leyte Island. They're both fairly good-sized islands, but rather remote. The two islands, separated by only a narrow strait, are serviced by a single airport at Tacloban City. A partially destroyed, partially reopened airport. The worst-hit areas can be a day's journey from the airport. The military is bypassing all that, for now, but I doubt they're toting privately donated materials from foreign lands.

Actually, so far, as gruesome as it may sound, authorities are still in a body-gathering phase of operations.

I wouldn't recommend sending anything but cash. Even under the best of circumstances, even if everyone were to cooperate, even if there were no theft of a package in transit, even if the bribes/"fees" were waived, you could count on supplies from the continental U.S. spending about six-to-eight weeks en route to either island. You might get something to Manila in just a couple days, and a week later, it may even be able to leave Manila (well, probably not, but maybe). The rest of the time . . .

The Catholic Church has the best inroads here. Starting there is likely the best bet.

helen, as far as i know the link i provided is very good at rating charities

usually the mormon/lds are some of the first people on the scene after disasters

they have a fairly organized and efficient system of delivering charity

This seems to be the worst imaginable situation for those survivors.  Anyone know how to send aid directly?  Anyone have experience with working with aid agencies?  Red Cross?? Can we send: tents, water, food, clothing, medicine, from a grassroots type of thing?  It seems with every new world disaster, the aid gets there later and later - I don't get if some agencies are waiting for direction or what!!!

Aren't there some private folks with enough money, resources and intelligence to roar into action with transport of water and food and shelter and medicine?  The only other options are non-profit agencies and governments - slow to get rolling and with not enough help.  Where are the guys in the white hats?  

Ok!  I see THESE ARE THE GUYS IN THE WHITE HATS!!!  Please give generously!   

Yep,the biggest one on record...the swedish rescue team is on it,s way,with tents and personal,not much,but we are trying...