By donating through Rainbow World Fund, 100 percent of donors' funds will go directly toward helping the people of Asia recover. Donations will be administered through RWF's partner agency, CARE, which is already working in most of the countries hit by the waves and is mounting an emergency response. Monies given through RWF will go to purchase items such as food, water purification tablets, soaps, shelter materials, basic medical supplies, and cooking items. See www.rainbowfund.org .

In related news, Equal Ground, the gay and lesbian federation in Sri Lanka, is appealing to the LGBT community for assistance. The organization is raising funds for food, clothing, medicine, and other essential items. Sri Lanka's death toll stands at more than 25,000. Additionally, almost 2 million people are displaced and will suffer due to the lack of clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and nutrition.

Diverse Communications in Chicago will be the single receiving point in the United States for Equal Ground. Checks must be made out to 'Diverse Communications' ( a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) approved organization ) , marked 'Sri Lanka' or 'Sri Lanka Fund,' and mailed to: Diverse Communications, 1146 S. Taylor Ave., Oak Park, IL 60304. For more information, call ( 312 ) 804-1647, or e-mail alan@diversecommunications.org , or visit www.diversecommunications.org .

In an effort to help those caught in the disaster, Chicago's Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club is hosting an event featuring complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres on Jan. 6 at 3700 N. Halsted from 6-9 p.m. The recommended donation is $125 and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to AmeriCares, a non-profit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization. Call ( 773 ) 525-1111.

Virulent homophobe Rev. Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church issued a press release that blames gays for the tsunami.