The pictures of a devastated Japan, taken thousands of miles away, touched a nerve.

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"These people need help,” said Woodbridge resident Nina Hunter. “They're gonna need food, they're gonna need water, clothing, shelter."

Almost immediately, there were ways to help. Through grocery stores, banks, links on twitter accounts of celebrities and bracelets designed by Lady Gaga.

That’s left many asking “what’s the best way to give?”

"Too many people out there -- oh please, please send us your money, we need your money,” said Larry Brakefield, an Elkridge resident.

"And the thing about money is how do you know it's going to the people who actually need it?" said Brynne Ward, a Bethesda resident.

Steve Gunderson, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations, said to avoid unsolicited e-mails or texts. Also, ask the charity how much of your money will go to actual relief versus administrative costs - ideally, no less than $0.85 of every dollar.

And be wary of brand new charities you’ve never heard of.

"If it's a new organization created to raise money just for this, stop, take a pause, step back, do some checking,” Gunderson said.

But even the well-established non-profit may not be right for what you want to support.

"Now I'm a big fan on the Red Cross, but I'll tell you -- the Red Cross does rescue and relief,” Gunderson said. “The Red Cross does not do rebuilding."

The Red Cross devotes $0.91 of every dollar donated directly to relief.

But if it’s Japan’s long-term rebuilding you want to support, you may want to look somewhere else.

For more information, go to the American Institute of Philanthropy's web site.