Hurricane Patricia: Here's how you can help

Hurricane Patricia has already become the strongest hurricane ever recorded for the eastern north Pacific. Reports from NOAA aircraft indicate wind speeds of an unprecedented 200 mph, with gusts even higher. A spokeswoman with the U.N.'s World Meteorological Organization said that's strong enough "to get a plane in the air and keep it flying."

While the storm is forecast to weaken significantly over the mountains of Mexico within 36 hours, it has the potential to do catastrophic damage, according to Hurricane Center meteorologist Dennis Feltgen.

Francisco Moreno and Ricardo Paz with COFEM, a large group of Mexican immigrant hometown associations in Los Angeles, are organizing a hotline for people in the United States, particularly those from Mexico, to donate to help. Moreno told KPCC that the account would be linked to the Red Cross in Mexico.

Like everyone else, they’ve had little warning to prepare. The group was hurrying to get a phone number set up Friday. Aside from that, there was little else to do but wait.

For those who are interested in helping with relief efforts, you can donate through the following organizations (we'll add more to the list as we hear of them):

• Salvation Army
  • You can also donate by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
  • Checks to the Salvation Army World Service Office should be marked “Hurricane Patricia” and mailed to:
    International Relief Fund
    P.O. Box 418558
    Boston, MA 02241-8558
• Catholic Relief Services | See how Catholic Relief Services ranks on rating site Charity Navigator
• International Medical Corps | Charity Navigator rating
• Save the Children | Charity Navigator rating
• World Vision | Charity Navigator rating