AMARILLO, TEXAS -- The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has created an environmental catastrophe and lots of people want to help.

But the Better Business Bureau says the oil spill is different from other disasters because there are constraints in the clean up effort and that limits what charities can do with your money or how you can volunteer.

At a time when money is one of the greatest needs, the BBB says there are also people who just want to take your money and run. So, donors need to ask, who am I giving to and how much will it help?

"There are some non-profit organizations popping up that are wanting to help. But what you want to give to are those that are experienced. For example, if you think you want to go down to the Gulf and help, if you're not certified in you know hazardous waste cleanup then you're not going to be able to do that. So, we want people to check out not only who they are giving to and where their money is going but how exactly can they give of other items like their time or items donated things like that," said Janna Kiehl CEO of the BBB.

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance has compiled a list of nationally soliciting charities which meet the BBB standards.