I am good friends with Bill Begley, a Wall Streeter who, along with former New York Met Rusty Staub and former New York Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President helped found a charity called the The New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Fund.
This organization has been helping the loved ones of NYC's fallen heroes for years. Bill (who retired to help run it) and the rest of the staff work on a volunteer basis - there is only one paid employee (a receptionist) and the fund has almost no overhead. Close to $0.97 of every $1 contributed goes directly to the families.
The families aren't just given cash and abandoned - financial advisers, attorneys, real estate professionals etc. volunteer their skills and time to help the families recover in the long-term.
If you're wondering where to send donations beside the Red Cross or the Salvation Army, this organization is as reputable and essential. If I'm not mistaken, Mayor Giuliani himself is a trustee.
I'm in touch with Bill to find out whether we FReepers can specifically assist our fallen brother's family in a special way. I know that FReepers from across the country would like to reach out in a personal way to his grieving family. I happily welcome any suggestions or ideas.