The past month has offered so many instances of personal generosity – from the Houston Texans rookie who gave his first game check to three cafeteria workers trying to rebuild after hurricane Harvey to the rapper Pitbull, who has been using his private plane to bring cancer patients from Puerto Rico, where reportedly only 11 hospitals have power, to the US mainland. Thousands of good Samaritans have donated money, time, food, and supplies – and sometimes put themselves in harm’s way to help those fleeing flood, fire, and earthquakes.

Some readers have asked how to help Puerto Rico, where the humanitarian need is particularly urgent. Our reporters have heard that Unidos por Puerto Rico, set up by the island’s first lady, is a good, low-overhead organization. All of the living former presidents have come together to raise money for the One America Appeal, a fund administered by the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation, to help those affected by the storms. 

In addition, while not an exhaustive list, the following nonprofits have received Charity Navigator’s highest rating: All Hands Volunteers, Project HOPE, GlobalGiving, Direct Relief, Convoy of Hope, Catholic Relief Services, and Heart to Heart International.

Now for our five stories of the day.