Finding creative ways to keep hurricane relief donations flowing

Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma have come and gone, but the need for help and donations will continue for a long time. As the nation's short attention span wanes. The Houston Chronicle offers some offbeat ways to help, including one, the Blame Game, that is close to my heart. You can read the story here, for more details on the items listed.

RESOURCES Here are some unconventional ways to contribute to hurricane victims. (Of course, you can always donate to the Red Cross directly at www.redcross.org .)

• Celebrity auction: Here's your shot to score a signed Aerosmith guitar or to name a character in a James Patterson novel. Various auctions are being held, with proceeds going to Katrina victims. Go to www.citizenshelpingheroes.org

• Human target: Feel like embarrassing someone for a good cause? For the rest of the month, University of California-Santa Barbara student Park Williams will sacrifice his dignity by performing stunts in exchange for your donations, which go to the Red Cross. Go to www.daringiscaring.org

• Bibs, beer steins and bags, for a cause: Want to show your support for evacuees? Check out Cafe Press items dedicated to Hurricane Katrina, from hoodies to doggie T-shirts to messenger bags at www.cafepress.com/communitycares/

• The Blame Game: This game takes a jab at the government's reaction to the Katrina evacuation by taking players through a winding New Orleans game board where they can't win; $10 at www.zzzingers.com .

• Teri Hatcher T-shirts: She may be busy, but Desperate Housewives' Hatcher took time out from her schedule to create a T-shirt line, with profits benefiting the Red Cross. Go to www.presentsforpurpose.com .