If you gave money to

This Gulf Coast rumor is true: the American Red Cross is handing out money -- as much as $1,565 for a family of five -- for virtually anyone who asks for it within certain ZIP codes affected by Hurricane Katrina.

It's a system that reflects the trusting, short-cut measures being taken by some relief agencies dealing with both unprecedented damage and unrivaled financial support.

"We erred on the side of generosity rather on the side of being stingy," said Maj. David Waite, director of The Salvation Army in Mobile.