There are a number of ways to support relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The most effective route is to donate cash to one of the following organizations:

? The American Red Cross: (800) HELP-NOW (800-435-7669).

Donations also may be mailed to local chapters at 33 Mildred Ave., Bangor 04401, or 312 Broadway, Rockland 04841. Donors also may give online at www.redcross.org. In order for 100 percent of donations to be used for hurricane relief in the Gulf Coast, the donor must indicate that the funds are for Hurricane Katrina relief. All others will go to the Red Cross general fund.

? The Salvation Army: (800) SAL-ARMY (800-725-2769).

? Catholic Charities Maine: (800) 781-8550, or mail to Catholic Charities Maine, P.O. Box 10660, Portland 04104. All Catholic parishes in the state will take up a special collection the weekend of Sept. 17-18. Funds from these collections will be sent to Catholic Charities Maine for distribution to the Gulf Coast.

? United Methodist Church Committee on Relief: (800) 841-1235 (hot line), or (800) 554-8583 (UMCOR information service); Web site: www.methodistrelief.org. Send donations to: UMCOR, P.O. Box 9068, New York, N.Y. 10087-9068; all donations for Hurricane Katrina should be marked with the number 982523.

? The American Jewish Committee: Donations may be made at www.ajc.org.

? For information on volunteering, contact the Maine Emergency Management Agency at (800) 452-8735.

? For information on missing people, contact the National Next of Kin Registry at www.nokr/nok/restricted/home.html.

? The Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana and the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association have created an emergency medical shelter for pets of evacuees. To make a donation, call the Humane Society at (318) 219-PETS, or visit www.hsnwla.org. To donate to Noah’s Wish, a not-for-profit organization dedicated solely to rescuing pets from disaster areas, visit www.noahs-wish.org.