Last week I blogged about hair. The next day, I was humbled by one of the most important events that will probably hit this decade.
I am bound by human hands. I am bound by the frailties of the human race. I don’t have the all-powerful hands of a loving God who probably wants to reach down to earth and clean everything up himself (and please, no comments about how God caused this disaster. Please), but since I believe that humans are his instruments, I want to help.
Does anyone know of ways that my small, meager, American self can get involved in the relief effort in Japan? Does anyone want to help me?
Here are a few organizations that you can contact to offer donations or help:
. American Red Cross
. World Vision International
. Net Hope
. Save the Children
No doubt you can donate through the church right on your tithing slip as well. Even small donations from starving college students add up and help a lot, so I think it is a great idea for you to pick an organization & mobilize all your friends through facebook to donate just a small amount. There are lots of orgs that are accepting mobile donations through your cell phone plans as well. You can just text in a donation & it appears on your cell phone bill.
My brother who's at BYU now getting his MBA is working with a few other people to raise $1 million for Japan. I'd be happy to get you in touch with him if you're interested.
Here is an article that gives even more ideas for helping. I love that you want to help, my sweet girl!
Japan's earthquake: How to help
Suzanne Choney
(MSNBC) –
Several organizations are helping victims of the Japanese quake. Here's how you can help:
Using your cell phone, you can text-message donations of $10 to the Red Cross. Text the letters REDCROSS to 90999 to make the $10 donation, or visit the organization's website.
The International Medical Corps is putting together relief teams, as well as supplies. The organization is in "contact with partners in Japan to assess needs and coordinate our activities,” You can text MED to 80888 to donate $10 to emergency relief efforts.
Save the Children is accepting donations for its Children's Emergency Fund. . You can text “JAPAN” or “TSUNAMI” to 20222 to donate $10.
GlobalGiving, based in Washington, D.C., is providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Text JAPAN to 50555 to donate $10.
The Salvation Army, which has had a presence in Japan since 1895. In Tokyo, the Salvation Army "opened its main building to help shelter commuters who were unable to reach home. They served hot drinks and packed meals," You can text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation.
Mercy Corps is "accepting donations to help survivors of Japan's earthquake and tsunami through our longstanding partner, Peace Winds Japan." Donations will go to meeting the "immediate and longer-term needs of the survivors." You can text “MERCY” to 25383 to donate $10.
World Vision, with a staff of 75 in Japan, focuses its relief efforts on children. Visit the website to donate, or call 1-888-56-CHILD (1-888-562-4453). You can text “4JAPAN” or “4TSUNAMI” to 20222 to donate $10.
Facebook has a Disaster Relief page with lots of good information about organizations that are offering aid, and that you can help, in turn.
Habitat for Humanity; donations accepted at website, or phone donations can be made by calling 1-800-HABITAT.
The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is raising funds to help children in Japan. Donations accepted at website, or by calling 1-800-367-5437.
AmeriCares has dispatched a disaster relief expert to the region to assess the health care needs and is prepared to send medicines, medical supplies and humanitarian aid as necessary. Phone number for donations: 203-658-9500.
International Rescue Committee, based in New York; Phone donations to: 1-877-733-8433. The organization is "dispatching IRC relief experts from our Thailand program to Japan to see how we can assist Japanese authorities in responding to the earthquake/tsunami disaster.
A friend of a friend is hosting an event this Saturday to make quilts for our Japanese brothers and sisters.
http://www.aprilrosenthal.com/2011/03/16/quilts-for-japan-relief-effort-giveaway/