Texting money to Pakistan

"Why throw money at problems? That is what it is for."
- Kurt Vonnegut

I'm sure you're well aware of the need. From prnewswire:

For those who want to donate to the relief effort, a simple text message pledges either $5 or $10. To donate:

* For Central Asia Institute, text the word CAI to 50555 to give $10. Central Asia Institute provides community-based education opportunities in Pakistan & Afghanistan.

* For CHF International, text the word PAKISTAN to 50555 to give $5. CHF International will provide transitional shelter, create livelihoods, and ultimately re-build Pakistan's economic and social foundations.

* For Islamic Society of North America, text the word RELIEF to 27722 to give $10. The Islamic Society of North America contributes to the betterment of the Muslim community and society at large.

* For UNHCR, text the word SWAT to 50555 to give $10. UNHCR emergency response teams are distributing tents, relief supplies, and humanitarian assistance to people displaced by the flooding.

* For World Food Programme USA, text the word AID to 27722 to give $10. WFP will use helicopters to transport food to people in isolated communities across the Swat Valley.

* For World Emergency Relief, text the word RESCUE to 50555 to give $10. Rescue Task Force is a San Diego County based non-profit relief agency that responds to natural and man-made disasters world-wide.

* For Zakat Foundation of America, text the work ZAKATUS to 50555 to give $10. Zakat Foundation has begun to address the immediate needs of flood survivors by providing food and clothing in four key Pakistani districts.

I'm familiar with the World Food Program, the UNHCR (which is the United Nations' refugee program) and the CAI, all of which seem to be good organizations. You might also consider contacting CARE, which is based in Atlanta.

I contacted CAI and the World Food Program to confirm that using this text service will, in fact, send the money their way. Spokespeople for both organizations confirmed it, though the CAI spokeswoman noted that their program doesn't provide immediate relief.

They build schools for children in Pakistan and Afghanistan.