After one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded hit Japan on March 11, the massive 9.0 tremor spawned a tsunami that killed thousands more, and has left the small island nation facing nuclear disaster.
In the days following the quake, individuals and organizations across the world have rushed to provide relief to Japan in any way possible.
- Google launched a Crisis Response Page just hours after the quake which includes a “Person Finder” with over 100,000 entries.
- The Tokyo Electric Power Company created a Twitter account that has acquired almost 190,000 followers in less than one day. The company has been using the account to notify people of power outages and radiation leaks.
- YouTube has launched a Missing Person Finder channel that also lets family members upload video for their loved ones.
- PayPal is giving you the option to donate to several different charities through their website.
- Operation USA is looking for financial donations, “bulk quantities of disaster-appropriate supplies”, and air mile donations through the United Airlines Charity Miles program.
TEXT CONTINUES AFTER GALLERY
Unfortunately, a number of fake organizations acting as charitable middlemen have scammed people into making donations they think will go to the stricken country.
We should help. Four days after the disaster in Haiti, donors had contributed more than $150-million, but the American charitable response for Japan has so far been less than $30 million.
Here is a list of trustworthy organizations that are a part of Japan’s round-the-clock relief efforts:
American Red Cross: Has been working closely with the Japanese Red Cross, establishing the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund which has raised over $2.2 million in text message contributions alone.
Click here to make an online donation
Or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Save The Children: This week the organization announced that they have so far raised $3.7 million, which will go towards long-term recovery efforts for children affected by the earthquake and tsunami. As well as providing immediate medical care and food, Save The Children has also pledged to stay long after the disaster to help rebuild communities and provide children with places to play.
Click here to make an online donation
Salvation Army: Relief teams have been giving out food and fresh water to people in affected areas and are providing shelters to people whose homes have been destroyed. The organization has so far received more than $92,000 via text message, $58,000 by telephone, and $1.5 million through donations made to their website.
Text “Japan” or “Quake” to 80888 to make a $10 donation.
Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to make a donation over the phone.
