Where to donate to Harvey victims (and how to avoid scams)

A large and complicated rescue operation is underway in Houston as floodwaters continue to rise, fed by unrelenting rain.

So far, there's no end in sight.

Here are options to help.

[Amid Texas floods, volunteers improvise to save the trapped and desperate]

National organizations

The American Red Cross is accepting donations on its website. You can also text HARVEY to 90999 to donate $10.

AmeriCares takes medicine and supplies to survivors.

Catholic Charities provides food, clothing, shelter and support services to those from all religious backgrounds.

Donations to the Salvation Army can be made online, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) or texting STORM to 51555.

AABB, which coordinates a task force to manage blood collection efforts during disasters, put out a call Sunday for blood donations in the aftermath of Harvey. Most in demand: those with type O-positive blood.

Those interested in donating blood may contact the following organizations:

— AABB: 301-907-6977
— America's Blood Centers
— American Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
— Armed Services Blood Program: 703-681-5979

Local organizations

The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund of Houston's mayor, Sylvester Turner, which is administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation.

Houston Food Bank and the Food Bank of Corpus Christi are asking for donations.

Carter BloodCare covers hospitals in North, Central and East Texas. To donate, call 877-571-1000 or text DONATE4LIFE to 444-999.

To help animals suffering from the disaster, visit the Houston Humane Society or the San Antonio Humane Society.

The Texas Diaper Bank in San Antonio is asking for diapers and wipes, which can be dropped off in person or mailed to 5415 Bandera Road, Suite 504, San Antonio, Texas, 78238.

For more options, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends checking with the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster for a list of trusted disaster-relief organizations in Texas.

[Harvey's floodwater had a pregnant woman trapped. Then neighbors formed a human chain.]

Online-only organizations

Airbnb is waiving service fees for those affected by the disaster and checking in between Aug. 23 and Sept. 1, and can guide users in creating a listing where their home is offered to victims free.

GoFundMe has created a page with all of its Harvey-related campaigns, including one started by country singer Chris Young, who donated $100,000, and another created by the president and chief executive of the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

YouCaring has a fundraising page set up by J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans with a goal of $1 million.

GlobalGiving's Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund supports local organizations by helping to "meet survivors' immediate needs for food, fuel, clean water, hygiene products and shelter." It will also assist with longer-term recovery efforts.

Avoid being scammed

Before giving money to an organization, do your research.

Charity Navigator, which identifies worthy charities, has a handy list of organizations that are responding in the aftermath of the storm.

For advice on avoiding fraudsters, check out tips from the Federal Trade Commission.

"Be wary of charities that spring up too suddenly in response to current events and natural disasters," the FTC website says. "Even if they are legitimate, they probably don't have the infrastructure to get the donations to the affected area or people."

GoFundMe, the source of many new fundraisers that popped up after Harvey, offers a way for donors and campaign organizers to communicate directly.

Bobby Whithorne, a spokesman for GoFundMe, said in an email that if a specific campaign is raising questions, "report the campaign directly to GoFundMe by clicking 'Report Campaign' on the GoFundMe campaign page or, report your concerns to the state Consumer Protection Hotline."