Iraqi and Syrian refugees: What you can do to help

The numbers from Syria and Iraq of people displaced by ISIS are staggering:

Three million Syrians have fled their country. Seven and a half million are displaced in their own country. Five and a half million people needing assistance are children.

Half a million Iraqis have fled their country. Nearly two million are displaced in their country.

http://www.usaid.gov/crisis/syria

http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49e486426.html

If you want to help and are financially able to, the following charities would be the best stewards of your donations:

The International Committee of the Red Cross: https://www.icrc.org/en

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: http://www.ifrc.org

Medicins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders: http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org

UN Children's Rights and Emergency Relief Fund: http://www.unicef.org

UN Refugee Agency: http://donate.unhcr.org/international/syria

Remember, when deciding which organization should receive your donation, be sure to visit Charity Navigator to find out if they will be effective stewards of your donation.

As always, also remember to keep updated on local blood drives. Tornado season is upon us.

Every little bit helps!