There is an update on the NTM website:
http://usa.ntm.org/projects/haiyan-reliefIt looks like over $100,000 has been donated to NTM Aviation by generous people concerned about the devastation in the Philippines. NTM decided to increase the amount they will try to raise by another $150,000, so the new goal is now $250,000!
As far as I can tell, NTMA has not made flights into the Tacloban area, which is the Eastern area where there was incredible damage and loss. This is where the news footage that we have all seen was taken, and where much of the international aid is being distributed.
The explanation on NTM's website says, "While most of the world's attention is focused on the eastern Philippines, NTM and MAF are partnering to bring aid to the smaller western islands that were also decimated by the storm." I have tried to follow the relief efforts through what I can see on Facebook and the like. I do think that at least some of NTM's aid is going into areas where NTM has existing works and existing airstrips. (NTM has no missionaries stationed in the Tacloban area.)
NTM describes the way the money will be spent this way: "Your gifts will help purchase food, medical supplies and tarps for temporary roof repair. Your generosity will also provide for flight costs to keep these supplies flowing into the storm-ravaged areas."
$110,000 would buy a LOT of rice and tarps! I imagine a good bit of this money will go toward "flight costs" ... which probably includes a lot more that aviation fuel.
I am not begrudging the efforts to help needy people in the Philippines. But I do hope that NTM will handle this unexpected windfall of cash with the greatest of integrity. Their website does state: "Any funds collected in excess of the needs of NTM's direct involvement in relief efforts will be forwarded in their entirety to reputable relief organizations that NTM has verified are doing relief work in the wake of the typhoon."