Scott, studies of charities are interesting. Some of them actually use up most of their donations in operation costs, including rather surprising salaries for their CEOs and Board of Directors, leaving surprisingly small percentage of their donated money for their alleged charity purpose.

Being rather poor, I have limits on what I donate, and I rather donate directly to a person who needs it. Rule of thump don't embarrass the person you are helping. If being helped, don't make the donor wish he or she had not helped.