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Emergency Response: 7 Ways to Help Japan

Mon, 03/14/2011 - 18:43

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This awesome article was brought to you by Andrea Moran

Andrea quickly learned that wanderlust is incurable. After studying abroad in The Netherlands, France and Denmark, she’s calling San Francisco home.. for now. She is eager to tell people's stories from every corner of the world.

Disaster relief is pouring into Japan after the March 11th tsunami and earthquake shattered the country’s coast, leaving thousands missing and leveling hundreds of towns.

While many people will be eager to volunteer on the ground, now is not the time to jump on a plane to Japan. The situation there is still very volatile as government agencies assess the full extent of the damage. Right now the best way to help the people of Japan is to donate some of your time and money to a reputable charity. In the months to come more volunteer projects may begin to operate that will require the help of international volunteers.

In the mean time, here are seven easy ways you can provide support:

1) The American Red Cross

Visit redcross.org to donate to directly support relief efforts in Japan, or text ‘REDCROSS’ to 90999 to make a $10 contribution to the American Red Cross.

2) Save the Children

This International non-profit is a leader in helping children worldwide. Help Japanese children and families by donating to the organization’s Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund.

3) Shelter Box

Relying entirely on donations from the public, Shelter Box delivers vital supplies to disaster-ravaged communities around the world. Your donation will fund a box containing vital items, such as tents, blankets, and cooking supplies, for a family immediantly following a disaster.

Shelter Box is accepting donations starting at $10 to support families affected by Japan’s tsunami and earthquake. Click here to make an online donation.

5) All Hands

This U.S.-based non-profit is accepting donations to its Japan Tsunami Relief Fund. All Hands also sends volunteers to Haiti and other places in need to work with local communities. The minimum age to volunteer is 18, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Visit their website to learn how to become a volunteer in Japan.

6) Oxfam International

Long-time provider of humanitarian aid, this non-profit is providing food, water and other necessities to Japan’s tsunami and earthquake victims. You can donate online here.

6) Music for Relief

Created in response to Indian Ocean tsunami in 2005, Music for Relief is a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds to support worldwide disaster relief. Text ‘MFR' to 85944 to make a $10 donation to Japan relief efforts, or contribute online.

7) And finally…act locally!

Ask church groups, local charities and your school about fundraising opportunities...or start your own! For example, San Francisco State University’s Japanese Exchange Student Organization is setting up donation boxes in local businesses to raise funds for the Red Cross.

Create a Facebook event and start rallying support in your community!

Learn more: Why waiting to give to Japan is a good idea