What entity do FReepers do think is the most efficient place to donate? I'm wary of the Red Cross after the 9/11 'administrative' overhead expose. Moreover, I'm not interested in donating to any entity with an agenda (including leftist and/or missionary types), although the Salvation Army seems OK.
If you are concerned about bureaucracy, check with your local churches. I'd be willing to bet you could ship clothing items to "any hurricane shelter" in Biloxi, Gulfport, Baton Rouge or Lafayette.
I had the same concerns as you during the tsunami disaster, did some research, and settled on Samaritan's Purse. It's Franklin Graham's organization and is big enough to do real good, not sectarian enough to alienate anyone, and isn't controlled by leftists types.