image provided by WFP and ITACHA

By now, you've probably read or heard about Cyclone Nargis which devastated the Irrawaddy region of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma, and one of the world's poorest nations) early Saturday. Sadly, the death toll has become progressively worse, with the latest reports indicating more than 22,000 people were killed, 41,000 are still missing, and hundreds of thousands are now homeless.

Certainly serves as a reminder that it can all change in the blink of an eye, and really puts things into perspective, doesn't it?

You may also know that getting aid to people is proving to be quite a challenge, due to the political climate and Myanmars military rulers. Few foreign aid agencies are actually permitted to do work in the country, and many say they're still waiting for visas to allow their staff into the country.

If you feel compelled to help (which I hope you do), I just wanted to share a couple ideas...

We at eBay and PayPal have worked with our friends at MissionFish to set up a fund to collect donations which will be distributed to those agencies confirmed and permitted to conduct relief and recovery work in the area. The organizations are likely to include organizations such as CARE USA, Catholic Relief Services, GlobalGiving, Mercy Corps, UNICEF, Save the Children, and World Vision.

Additionally, you can buy or sell items on eBay to support the efforts, all facilitated by the eBay Giving Works program. Successful charity listings via eBay Giving Works will receive credits back on eBay's standard Insertion and Final Value Fees, proportional to the percentage of the final sale price that is donated to the cause. To learn more, please visit the eBay Giving Works Fee Credit Policy.

I'd love to encourage you to post a comment of sympathy and support for the people of Myanmar, and please share ways you're doing your part to help out.