Last night, shortly before going to bed, I watched a horrifying video of a tsunami ravaging the Japanese coastline. As the tsunami traveled across the Pacific, reaching the shores of Hawaii and later the United States, I was bombarded (happily) with multiple phone calls, texts, and Facebook messages from friends and family, who all expressed concern for my safety. Fortunately, Los Angeles was spared from any real significant damage. Throughout the day, I have had a steady stream of news reports on in the background as thousands Tweeted requests for aid. As such, it seemed only fitting that I compile a list of organizations that are currently accepting donations and offer a guide to those who wish to offer some level of support to the Japanese people.
Ushahidi
This is a Japanese site where you can report the location of people who are trapped or in need of medical attention, as well as text locations to be avoided, places to find assistance, and other tips. All of these are then displayed on a map on the website.
Google Crisis Response Page
Here you can find information on alarms/warnings, transportation statuses, blackouts, and local Japanese emergency phone numbers. You can also check the disaster bulletin boards.
Person Finder App
Here, you can try to contact loved ones in Japan, or connect with family and friends to let them know you are safe.
Salvation Army
Donate $10 by texting "QUAKE" or "JAPAN" to 80888. You can also donate online or by calling 1-800-SALARMY. Be sure to earmark your donations as "Japan Earthquake/Tsunami".
Canada's Salvation Army
Donate $10 by texting "QUAKE" to 45678.
Red Cross
Donate $10 by texting "REDCROSS" to 90999 or donate to the Red Cross through Amazon.
Canadian Red Cross
Text "ASIA" to 30333 to donate $5 or find more ways to give on their website.
Second Life Teddy Bear Sale
Two "Linden Bears" (one wearable, one that sits) are now available through the Marketplace, ranging from L$300 to L$3,000. All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross' Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief efforts.
Earthquake Relief Wristband Sale
Lady Gaga designed the wristbands, which are available through her website for $5 each. If you like, you can add more money onto the payment. All proceeds will go directly to the relief efforts.
The Jewish Federations of North America
Donations to the Japan, Hawaii and Pacific Relief Fund may be made online or through your cell phone carrier by texting "RELIEF" to 51818. Donation may also be sent in the mail to: The Jewish Federations of North America, Wall Street Station, PO Box 148, New York, NY 10268.
Japan America Society of Southern California
Donate to the 2011 Japan Earthquake Relief Fund online, by mail, or by calling 213-627-6217 ext. 202. Make checks payable to "2011 Japan Earthquake Relief Fund" and send to: 2011 Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, c/o Japan America Society of Southern California, 345 S. Figueroa Street, Suite M-1, Los Angeles, CA 90071.
American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association
Donate to AHEPA Emergency Relief online or by mail: AHEPA Emergency Relief Fund, Attn: Japanese Earthquake, 1909 Q Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20009.
Global Giving
AmeriCares
Save the Children
Donate online or text "JAPAN" or "TSUNAMI" to 20222 to donate $10.
ShelterBox
If you are a UK tax payer, your government will match 25% of your donation.
MedWish International
Financial donations may be made online. Find out how you can volunteer here. Medical professionals can also find out how to donate supplies. The organization is also sponsoring a benefit concert called Band Aid Bash in Cleveland on May 21st. For tickets or more information click here.
Operation USA
Donate online, by phone (1-800-678-7255), or by mail: Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave., Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232. You can also donate air miles through United Airlines, and shop online at the Operation USA Store or Apliiq (clothing). Operation USA is also requesting bulk donations of supplies from corporate donors.
International Medical Corps
Text "MED" to 80888 in order to donate $10, or you can find information on other ways to give here.
Music For Relief
Donate $10 by texting "MFR" to 85944. Reply "YES" to confirm the donation.
Direct Relief International
Donations may be made through the website, by phone (1-800-676-1638), or by mail: Direct Relief International, 27 S. La Patera Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93117.
World Vision, Inc.
Donate $50 to the Disaster Response Fund through the website or donate $10 by texting either "4JAPAN" or "4TSUNAMI" to 20222.
Mercy Corps
Donate online or text "MERCY" to 25283 to give $10.
UNICEF
Give $5 by texting "GIVE" to 45678.
Convoy of Hope
Text "TSUNAMI" to 50555 or donate online.
Groundlings Theatre and School
50% of tonight's proceeds will benefit the relief efforts. Future fund raising efforts will likely be announced on their website.
Oakland A's baseball team
The team plans to conduct a fundraiser during their upcoming game against the Seattle Mariners on April 3rd, which also happens to be Japanese Heritage Day. More details are forthcoming.
As always, I strongly caution you all to be very careful when donating money to any organizations. Sadly, scammers love to take advantage of these situations and it's your responsibility to ensure that your money is going to the right place. I would be wary of any charities that you've never heard of before and anyone who contacts you directly for donations, especially text-based donations. There are two websites that you can use to check the legitimacy of these organizations: CharityWatch.org and CharityNavigator.org. If you believe you are the victim of one of these scams, contact the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Finally, I should tell you that financial donations are preferred, since many charities lack the infrastructure and staff necessary to facilitate the proper dissemination of material donations, like clothing and food. Also, your charitable donations may be tax deductible. Here is a helpful guide to what can and can't be written off. Please, if you know of any other fund raising efforts, leave a comment below.
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