It doesn't take too much to make use of our being.

A cousin, who is a doctor, reached Bihar today to help with the flood relief. Some people I know are eager to go to Bihar to contribute physically to the efforts. However, doctors and swimmers can be of more help than others. But all of us can contribute in some way or the other, nothing being any less significant. And it's not only about sending money, but sending medicines, milk powder, clothes, and other items.

I came across a couple of blogs while looking for a way to contribute.

• One of them is called the Bihar Flood Relief - 2008. The people involved are contributing more than money. They have an idea of what is required there and they are passing down the information to us and even transporting the collected items to the flood-affected regions. For the ones in Benguluru, you can send money and other items through an NGO called Prayaas. The NGO's details are available in the blog. You can get in touch with them about sending essential items. Here are the details for sending money:
  

  
  Institutional Donor and as well as individual can donate via our Sister NGO PRAYAAS
  
  Please mention flood relief and your name in remarks section while transferring funds Please mention your name in the comments (will help us track) Send an email with details to: Amitesh.Bharti@in.bosch.com also make a CC to: ashok.1857@gmail.com
  
  http://www.prayaas.org/donation.php
  
  Account in on the name of: M/S Prayaas
  Current Account No. : 10447347087
  Bank Address : State Bank of India, Indiranagar, Bangalore
  Bank Code : 3301
  Routing Number (Swift No.) : SBI NIN BB 147A
  MICR number : 560002021
  
  Prayaas Official Address:
  Mr. Amitesh Bharti
  Prayaas(r)
  C1-201, GreenWood Regency
  Doddakannahalli village,
  Carmelaram PO, Adj. Wipro
  Sarjapur Road,
  Bangalore - 560035
  India
  
  If you want to send a cheque/DD:
  Please send the crossed A/c Payee cheque in favour of,
  "SBI, A/c Prayaas, Current A/c No. 10447347087"
  
  Tax exemption under section 80G
  Donors in India can get tax exemption under section 80G, the certificate & the receipt of your contribution will be dispatched by Prayaas. To get the certificate & the receipt of your contribution, Please email your name and address along with detail of your contribution to Amitesh at Amitesh.Bharti@in.bosch.com
  
  also make a CC to ashok.1857@gmail.com
  

  
  
• Another blog called News and Coordination for Bihar Flood Relief Activities also updates you on avenues to contribute to the relief efforts.

A little money and a few minutes can help a lot of people in need. Can we help keep optimism alive?