How To Help Japan
When Zachie and MacLean heard about the earthquake/tsunami/radiation disaster in Japan, both of my little guys pulled out their piggy banks and asked where we were sending a donation. These kids make me cry. This heartbreaking series of disasters hits even harder for our family, because our beautiful new daughter Zoe is of Japanese descent. It’s very hard to picture her extended family suffering.
Unfortunately, with every new hardship comes a new group of moral scorpions who will happily take your well-intentioned money in a scam. Here’s some guidelines we follow after 20 years of fundraising on our radio show:
~Pick a group that is well-organized and already has a team on-site and ready to go–groups like the Red Cross or Salvation Army already have an infrastructure that’s sending supplies and professionals to every corner of the island. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10.00, or text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to donate $10.00 to the Salvation Army.
~There are some creative ways to help, here’s a few that are legitimate:
- AViiQ: Every “Like” on the Facebook page for AviiQ (they make laptop stands and iPad case stands) means a $1 donation to the American Red Cross. This is a nice free way to give.
- Groupon: Donate $5, $10 or $25 to support International Medical Corps’ emergency relief efforts in Japan.
- iTunes: Give $5, $10, $25, $50, $100 or $200 to the American Red Cross to help earthquake and tsunami victims directly through iTunes. Also, through 3/20, Sega will donate 100% of proceeds from sales of the game Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1($3.99 per download) through iTunes to disaster relief efforts.
- Lady Gaga: For $5 you can buy a Lady Gaga Japan Earthquake Relief Wristband. All proceeds go directly to Japan relief efforts.
- LivingSocial: Give $5 and LivingSocial will make a $10 donation to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund.
- Voskos Greek Yogurt: Click “Like” on this Facebook status update and Voskos will donate $1 for every “Like” they receive through 3/22.
~Finally, never underestimate the power of love. I always hesitate to bring prayer into a discussion because I know every one’s way of worship is very personal. But however you send positive energy–through prayer, meditation, service–please send it to Japan. The force of all our love and strength will surely be felt.
Very nice post. Thank you! I stumbled it.
Thanks, Elle! It’s wonderful to see so many people care.
This is such a great post. Thank you so much for giving us ways to help. Some people just don’t know how to help and this is a wonderful list of simple, inexpensive ways to do what we can to help those poor people.
Amy–it’s nice to see such compassion and love.
Another way to give!
Audiobooks For Your Kids has made a commitment to donate to the American Red Cross for disaster relief to Japan in the wake of the terrible earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster ongoing. ALL sales from March 22, 2011 to March 29, 2001 will be donated to the American Red Cross. During this time, we will raise the price from 99 cents to $2.99.
http://itunes.apple.com/app/audiobooks-for-your-kids/id409956812?mt=8
If you would like to donate directly to the American Red Cross, you can make a donation online or you can simply text REDCROSS to 90999 and instantly donate $10 to the Japanese relief efforts.