July 18, 2011 -- East Africa is experiencing what U.S. State Department officials say is quickly becoming one of the worst humanitarian crises in decades. Several seasons of drought have decimated crops and livestock in Somalia, forcing tens of thousands of refugees to seek help in camps in neighboring Ethiopia and Kenya. Rains are not expected until October at the earliest. This means that prolonged support is needed.

When I donate money during a crisis, I like to make sure that most of the dollars get to the people who need the help. Here is a list of some of the organizations working right now, on the ground, to save lives. Each of these has low administrative costs meaning that most of your money will reach people in need.

United Nation's Foundation Global Vaccine Campaign

U.S. Fund for UNICEF You can donate online or text FOOD to UNICEF (864233) to donate $10 to the Horn of Africa (Legal terms; messaging and data rates apply.

World Food Programme You can donate online to or you can make a $10 donation to the World Food Programme by texting AID to 27722.Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Full terms: www.mGive.org/T & Privacy Policy

Doctors Without Borders

African Medical and Research Foundation

Edesia, one of the makers of Plumpy'nut®, a life-saving nutrient, has set up a donation page to allow people to specifically donate the product to children in Horn of Africa

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

CARE

World Vision's Horn of Africa response

Save the Children You can donate online or text SURVIVE to 20222 to donate $10 (Standard message rates apply). Legal disclosure: www.savethechildren.org/legaldisclosure

UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)

MercyCorps

Oxfam America

For complete coverage and information on how you can personally make a difference through the "Be the Change: Save a Life" initiative, go to SaveOne.net. "Be the Change: Save a Life" is supported in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.