How You Can Help the Japanese Earthquake Relief Efforts

It was scary to watch the aftermath of the recent earthquake unfold in Japan. Part of it was the utter devastation caused by the earthquake and resulting tsunamis. But it was also scary because my wife has a lifelong friend who lives in Tokyo. Thankfully we received word that her friend and her family are safe after the earthquakes.

Unfortunately, the country of Japan faces a long road to recovery. Already, experts are estimating thousands of deaths and many are predicting this will be the most expensive natural disaster ever. Aftershocks and the threat of major nuclear meltdowns still threaten the island nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan.

How You Can Help the Japanese Earthquake Relief Efforts

CNN Money put together a list of How you can help Japan. The basic tips are these: donate cash to reputable and well-known relief agencies, not items such as food and clothing. The reason? Because cash can be immediately used, whereas transporting physical items is expensive and takes a long time to reach the destination. In some cases the items may never reach the intended recipients because the cost and time involved are prohibitive.

In addition, you can text the following organizations to send them a donation.

To make a $10 donation now to:

Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund, text REDCROSS to 90999 or go to redcross.org
Save the Children’s Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency fund, text JAPAN to 20222 or go to savethechildren.org
GlobalGiving’s Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief fund, text JAPAN to 50555 or go to globalgiving.org
International Medical Corps relief efforts, text MED to 80888 or go to internationalmedicalcorps.org.

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