The devastation to southern communities caused by Hurricane Katrina is almost beyond description. By now you've heard that the primary way to help is by making cash donations to organizations like the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - just a few of the many groups working hard at relief efforts.

But now there's another way to help which results in a net win for everyone involved. A large group of independent craft artisans have donated their work to raise money for the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. They have assembled under the name Crafters United, and Etsy has provided an online storefront for selling their donations. One hundred percent of the proceeds from these sales will go to the Red Cross. Many participating crafters are experienced jewelry artisans, so this is a wonderful opportunity to get your hands on some unique, quality jewelry and help hurricane relief efforts at the same time.

I've already purchased some amazing jewelry from this sale and donated a couple of my own designs. Consider browsing the storefront and picking up something for yourself, or stock up early on holiday gifts. You'll be helping families whose holidays will be especially difficult this year.

Here are a few of the jewelry artisans who have donated their work for the sale:

Aileen Ward of Bakelite Bits

Annamaria Nieves of Modern Alchemy Jewleryworks

The designers at Funky Utopia

Gin Gin of Morning Craft

Laura Moore of Lamoore Designs

Sarah of Vintage Earth

Alicia Paulson of Rosy Little Things (pins and many non-jewelry items)

(Click here to view the entire contributor directory.)

Other ways to buy jewelry and help the hurricane victims:

• Bid on a variety of unique handcrafted jewelry online in the Hurricane Katrina Relief Silent Auction sponsored by The International Jewelry Designer's Guild.

• 25% of the purchase price for Mandarava's eye-catching Chakra Energy Crystal Pendants will be donated to the Salvation Army and Best Friends Animal Society for hurricane relief.

• 10% of website sales at Body Circle Designs will be donated to the Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund during September.

• 5% of all website sales, including jewelry sales, for September at Direct for Sale will be donated to the Red Cross.

• Purchase Hurricane Katrina awareness wristbands at Shanrene or Volunteer Gifts.

• There may also be local auctions and sales of jewelry and other valuable items in your own city or town. Contact your local newspaper or search sites like Craig's List for help finding them.