We are all aware of the tragedy that has been unfolding in Japan these past days. The images are just heart wrenching. One can only begin to imagine the fear and angst all of those hundreds of thousands of people have been feeling. Every time we turn on the news the toll of these double tragedies becomes more apparent. There are so many stories of whole towns just washed away. There are thousands of casualties, thousands missing and unaccounted for, and people in dire need of evacuation. The man peddling through the debris looking for his wife, just breaks my heart. Parents looking for their children, so many people looking for loved ones, those in shock and disbelief of the sheer power of nature. As we watch and listen to the news from the comfort of our homes, it is heartbreaking for all of us but it is utter hell for those going through it.
If the 8.9 earthquake and 30 meter Tsunami waves weren’t devastating and terrifying enough, the people of Japan are now under the threat of the worst nuclear disaster in human history. Through all of this tragedy the constant reports you hear are of the admirable composure of the people. The people that are queuing for food, water, gasoline and evacuation patiently await their turn. There is no looting, there are no outbursts nor uproar when they run out of supplies, they continue to quietly and patiently wait. The Japanese have an ingrained grand sense of community. You hear reports of food running low and yet perfect strangers share the little they have with one another. Let us all take sample from this admirable giving community and extend our hands to help.
Below are but a few ways we can help the people of Japan. There are plenty of non-profit agencies taking donations. You can also give as little as $5 (Or donate any amount to any participating nonprofit via Paypal) or donate by sending a TXT/SMS message to several of these agencies. Please check with your local agencies to find ways of donating and helping. If you cannot help with a monetary donation then help by letting the people of Japan know your thoughts and prayers are with them.
My heart, thoughts, and best wishes go out to you the people of Japan. May better days be ahead in the near future.
How You can Help Japan:
–American Red Crossor Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone.
–iTunes Store Donate to the American Red Cross via iTunes Store
–Global Giving, Japan Earthquake And Tsunami Relief Fund
–The Salvation Army (North America), text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make $10 donation.
–Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors without Borders, MSF Response to Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami
These are but a few of the survivors that will need our help. (photos are from various media sources)
To find a person or offer information about a person : Google Person Finder, http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en
Thank you for posting this so we can all help.
Veronica, I hope many will give either money or give their solidarity to this tragic event.
I am totally moved by your post..and in whole tragedy in general. Since it is all over our local news I already started collecting stuff like shoes T-shirts, blankets for children and packing it for the Red Cross. This is my way of helping, maybe small way but it will help to somebody in this time!
@Sandra, I applaud you for what you are doing. There is no such thing as “a small way” of helping. Everything and anything way can do to help will mean the world to those in need.
Thank you for this post. Will help spread the word. Thanks for giving list of reputable organizations – hate to say it, but these are times when others take advantage.
Thank you so much for this post and the list of organization we can contact. I hope you have a great evening God bless…Mary
@Belinda, Unfortunately you are right. That is why I was careful with the ones listed and donated to. Thanks anything we can do to get help for them is great.
@Mary, Thank you and same to you :)
Thanks for the post, we all need reminders of how fortunate we are and how we can help those in need.
Well I just learned that nobody is accepting any kind of donation other than money..so I just did it at my local red cross, and keeping my packed stuff for later.
Thanks for sharing all the ways we can help. I can't watch the news without shedding a tear, it's hard to think of everyone suffering. Thanks again Nancy!
-Gina-
This is just so heart-wrenching to even think about. It brings tears to my eyes because this actually hits close to home. A friend of mine's son was in Japan for his Spring Break (thank goodness he is alright, but still there for an undetermined amount of time) and the look of despair on my friend's face while he worried and worried was heart-breaking. Not knowing is the hardest part, but after 24 hours they were able to Skype with eachother.
thanks for listing this is wonderful act of humanitarium… xo! Will spread the word…
Well done … this is excellent information for all who may want to help in a small way …
this is a tragic and unfortunate situation. We're doing a fund raising in our community too.
Well done Nancy! We're doing good karma :D
I already donated to the Red Cross, but thanks for raising the awareness and how to donate. I have a widget to donate to the Red Cross on my site.
Thank you for posting this – I have to admit that I try and ignore the news because it is so depressing but I can’t ignore the tragedy that has happened in Japan. I have donated and am happy you have compiled a list of options to make it as easy as possible. My prayers are with everyone in Japan. ~Yvette
Thank you for posting this. It is a tragedy that needs everyone's help. Well done.
Thanks for the links…making a donation to the Red Cross was on my to-do list tonight…
such a touching post Nancy.
Hubby donated some money to Red Cross and today at the MOPS meeting we talked about packing some baby/kids clothes we don't need and send them for those in need.
It's hard to think and talk about all those suffering people.
It's heartbreaking to see what's been happening in japan. Thanks for raising awareness and sharing ways to donate.
Oh Nancy, it is heartbreaking. Well done for posting this.
The devastation in Japan is so heartbreaking. Nancy, you did a great job providing information and links for donations.
I am absolutely stunned with devastation. Terrible….I don't understand people who are ignorant and can't understand pain and suffering.
added links and information related to helping japan
Please help Japan
http://helpjapanbeinghuman.blogspot.com/
I am certainly donating as much as I can. This tragedy is truly heartbreaking. I think and hope for swift recovery for the people of Japan everyday. Great post, Nancy.
Thank you for posting this Nancy, we can only hope that healing can now begin.
Thank you for sharing these links and moving photos of the devastation and suffering that the people of Japan are enduring. We've already donated to the Red Cross and hope and pray for their recovery. -Priscilla-