Mellody Answers More E-mails on Katrina Aid

"How can I help the victims of Hurricane Katrina?"

That's what hundreds of generous viewers have been asking "GMA" financial contributor Mellody Hobson. She responds to some of the e-mails below.

Sympathetic Mom

I just had a baby three months ago, and to see the families that are waiting to be helped breaks my heart. I can't imagine having to stand and wait like that with my baby. I have donated all of the baby stuff that you can possibly think of. I haven't got much cash to give. … Let me know of anything else I can do.

Ashley Dennis

Naples, Tex.

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Where to Donate to Katrina Relief

Mellody: Really, the only thing the relief organizations can use right now is money. The situation in the hurricane zone is such that they can't handle taking donated goods from individuals. The best idea is to gather your items and hold a yard sale or sell them through eBay. Then, donate the profits to charity.

Credit Card Donations

I am heartsick about the hurricane damage and want to donate more than I can afford right now. So my question is, am I being foolish to charge donations on my credit card? I can afford to pay the card off in a couple of months time and I really don't want to wait to send money. Just thought I'd check with a voice of reason.

Frances O'Brien
New York, N.Y.

Mellody: Don't do it -- we don't want you to get in debt. That last thing we need is more people in trouble. And this crisis will go on for a long time, so they'll need money in the weeks and months to come. So, save money now just by squirreling away a little at a time. Then give when you can.

Spare Bedroom

I have an empty bedroom now that my oldest is in college. I feel so bad that so many people will be stuck at the Astrodome or in tent cities while myself and so many other people in my area and across the country would be willing to adopt a family, take them in, feed them, clothe them, etc., until they are ready to go back. … The problem comes in coordinating this, and I don't know how to get this started. Any suggestions?

Kim Herold

Clovis, Cal.

Mellody: Right now, they're not taking any names or places, because they're concerned about the safety of the homes. When families adopt children, the homes are carefully screened. Nobody wants to put people who already have been through a lot in more harm's way. Relief organizations are using hotels to house people.