Charities ramp up efforts to raise money for typhoon victims

philippines fund raising
The Philippine Red Cross is one of more than a dozen charities that has responded to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

More than a dozen charities are ramping up efforts to raise money for victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the Philippines late last week.

Thousands are likely dead, hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes and food and water is running short. As a result, many aid organizations are rushing to help victims with shelter, medical supplies and other necessities.

Related: CNN Impact Your World: How to help

The Philippine Red Cross and American Red Cross have specific fundraising efforts devoted to the disaster. Those interested in donating can make a contribution at the various Red Cross web sites, as well as through Apple's (AAPL) iTunes. On Wednesday, the American Red Cross announced that Facebook users will also be able to donate directly from their News Feed or through the organization's Facebook page.

On Wednesday evening, the American Red Cross announced an initial $6 million donation to Philippine relief efforts and said it expects to make additional donations in coming weeks.

Other agencies have also started to release early figures.

Oxfam America said Wednesday it had raised $1.2 million from more than 10,000 donors.

World Bank Pres.: Act on climate change
World Bank Pres.: Act on climate change

On Tuesday, the United Nations Children's Fund, or UNICEF, said it had raised $3 million from U.S.-based donors. UNICEF, which estimates that as many as 4 million children were affected by the storm, is aiming to raise more than $34 million to help respond to children and families affected by the disaster.

Related: Companies pledge millions to Philippines

Save the Children said it had raised more than $1 million in the U.S. so far, a fraction of its $30 million goal, while the Salvation Army had raised nearly $900,000 from U.S. donors by Tuesday evening, more than double its total a day earlier.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which is tracking corporate donations, had tallied more than $10.8 million in aid from dozens of firms, as of Tuesday.

Like it has in the wake of previous disasters, the Federal Trade Commission is warning donors to beware of possible charity scams. The FTC recommends that donors give to established charities and look for funds that designate specific Philippines disaster relief.

Personal Finance

LendingTree

CNNMoney Sponsors