BTW, is there any significance between the International Red Cross and the one here? I ask only because the American Red Cross seems to be a catalyst for good.
They do much less good than they could do.
If you remember, the ARC viewed the generous donations of the American people following 9/11 as a windfall and earmarked it for pet projects like refurbishing ARC offices etc. Big outcry at the time.
The Salvation Army (faith based) is the only national charity you can be half way sure tries to hold the line on costs etc. Too many of the others have started to act like movie production companies - sky high, even lavish expenses deducted from donations before they concern themselves with fulfilling their missions.
United Way is - politics aside - another charity that was caught paying for lavish offices, limos, escort services, exorbitant executive salaries etc.
Your are very mistaken. They are first and foremost a catalyst for doing good for themselves. The way they handle donations would make former PTL televison evangelist Jim Baker look like a saint.
Even if you do have local chapters doing some things, they still have to send their money up to the top of the Red Cross organization. Those dollars, your dollars, pay for extravagance beyond belief and obscene directors salaries.
DO NOT donate to the Red Cross