BEIJING, July 25  -- A handbook on charity and disaster relief for public reference has been published, the Ministry of Civil Affairs announced Friday.

The manual covers nearly 2,000 projects with information on living assistance, disaster relief, educational assistance and medical aid, said Zhan Chengfu, head of the social welfare and charity promotion department under the ministry.

Many people with difficulties do not know who to contact except for the government, while some philanthropic organizations can not identify people who truly need help, Zhan said.

The handbook has been handed to local civil service outlets and will be distributed in public places such as bus stations, post offices and hospitals.

The book will also be posted online, Zhan said.

The manual will help with the allocation of charity resources and standardize organizations' practices, Zhan added.