Disasters bring out best, worst of human nature

High-profile tragedies like the Boston bombings and the West, Texas, explosions often bring out the best in people.

We heard stories of runners who had just completed the 26-mile run who immediately stopped to help the injured, or even ran a couple more miles to offer to donate blood.

Similar stories of heroism and generosity are emerging from Texas, where the death toll was rising this morning as more bodies were recovered.

Unfortunately, such events also bring out the worst of human nature, criminals who would prey on the good nature of others by soliciting, and keeping, donations intended to help the victims.

The same holds true even on the local level, where we do our best to check out the legitimacy of fund-raising efforts before providing them publicity on these pages.

Fortunately, it is easy to have first-hand knowledge of local relief charities, where we know personally the people involved.

One of the first to responsd to any tragedy is the American Red Cross, which was quick to swing into action in Boston and Texas as well as local incidents, for example, where a family has lost a home to fire.

The organization is also on the front lines in offering medical help, working to ensure an adequate, safe blood supply is on hand.

In West, Texas, the Red Cross immediately opened a shelter and brought in disaster workers to provide emotional support and health services with relief items such as comfort kits and water as well as blood products.

In Boston, the Red Cross is providing emotional, health and spiritual care services and supporting a family assistance center. It provided 500 blood products to several hospitals in the Boston area, nearly 150 disaster workers were deployed and about 7,000 meals and snacks were provided, as well as blankets and comfort kits as well as mental health and health services to those affected.

More common, fortunately, are Red Cross efforts to provide emergency care in response to severe weather and flooding around the world.

The instantaneous communication that has made it possible to learn about disasters right away also makes it possible to respond quickly -- and accurately.

If you'd like to help victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, you can visit www.theonefundboston.org. If you'd like to support disaster response, visit www.redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Keep an eye out and ear open for upcoming blood donations, or call (800) RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org to find out when and where to donate.

You can also get more directly involved by visiting the redcross.org site to find a Family First Aid or CPR course, or, if you have a smart phone or tablet, download the free Red Cross First Aid App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for simple lifesaving information for first aid emergencies.

If you're involved in a disaster, you can even find free counseling or support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by contacting the Disaster Distress Helpline at (800) 985-5990 or texting "TalkWithUs" to 66746.

Of course, there are many other reputable charities doing good work in times of need, and they certainly deserve our support.

The most important thing to remember, however, is to make sure your donation gets to the people you intend to help.