How to Help Japan!

The American people are directly aiding the Japanese people to deal with the horrific occurrences in their country. The U.S. Navy has an aircraft carrier and other ships nearby providing helicopter resources. The Marines are there helping as they are assigned. The usual experts in search and rescue services from this country are there, and the President has asked the Japanese government what else we might do to help. Still, some Americans, as always, are asking what else they might do. Here are 10 ways to help: 1. Google has launched a “Person Finder: 2011 Japan Earthquake” resource. People wanting to inquire about U.S citizen living in or visiting Japan are urged to contact the U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747. Google has also has put up a crisis response page with local resources and emergency information. 2. The American Red Cross, already in Japan, is accepting donations: http://www.redcross.org/. 3. Save the Children has responded. Contribute to their “Children’s Emergency Fund.” 4. The International Medical Corps: http://www.internationalmedicalcorps.org/ is accepting contributions. Like the Red Cross, they are asking for $10 or whatever else you can afford. 5. GlobalGiving has already raised over $100,000. You can help with a donation at http://www.globalgiving.org/. 6. Salvation Army: is mobilizing a team specifically for the critically damaged city of Sendai. Donate $10 or more at http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/. 7. Doctors Without Borders is sending teams of doctors and medical specialists. To learn more or contribute: http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/. 8. Operation USA: is collecting bulk corporate donations: http://www.opusa.org/. 9. PayPal: has announced transactional fees incurred by money transfers to U.S. 501(c) (3) organizations between March 11th and April 10th will aid relief efforts in Japan. 10. AmeriCares, ShelterBox, and Mercy Corps: Are sending representatives. Mercy Corps is gathering donations for its overseas partner, Peace Winds Japan, which currently has personnel on the ground distributing emergency relief. In dedication to Earth Day on April 22, Americans, we hope, are giving what they can. Perhaps you too will be able to contribute. We would like to ask our readers: in light of our own economic struggles here in the U.S., how do you feel about contributing aid to another country?