How to help the Japanese earthquake relief effort

The earthquake and tsunami that rocked Japan two weeks ago has left thousands without shelter, food or water or in need of medical care. U.S. relief agencies such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army have been assisting, but they rely on donations to fund the effort to get the Japanese people what they need.

Nassau County residents can visit the Red Cross office, at 195 Willis Ave. in Mineola, to make a donation, or make a contribution online, at www.redcross.org, or text “Red Cross” to 90999 to make an automatic $10 donation to the relief effort.

“Our goal is to provide for immediate relief, and money is the best way to do that,” said Sam Kille, senior director of public relations for the Red Cross of Metropolitan New York. “It allows them to buy exactly what they need.”

Kille explained that the money will be used to buy food, water and blankets for people at shelters, and for medical treatment for those injured in the disaster. Many of Japan’s hospitals are operated by the Red Cross there, he added.

The American Red Cross has so far contributed $10 million to the relief effort, Kille said, “and we expect to give them much more.” He added that the Japanese Red Cross has helped the U.S. during some of its darkest hours, including the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina.

Many local organizations have expressed an interest in organizing a fundraiser for the Japanese relief efforts, Kille said. Groups should first call the Red Cross of Nassau County, at (516) 747-3500, to learn about setting up an event, he said.

Having the Red Cross on board with any fundraiser, Kille explained, will also prevent fraud and ensure that donated money goes to the right place. “There are always scam artists out there looking to profit off of disaster,” he said. “Unfortunately, while we see the best of people during a time of disaster, we also see those who prey on the misfortune of others.”

The Salvation Army is also accepting donations on its website, www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org, or by phone, at (800) 725-2769. Anyone can also make a $10 donation by texting “Japan” to 80888. The donations will assist the Salvation Army of Japan, which has been sent to the most severely affected areas of the country to distribute basic necessities to survivors. The organization is accepting only monetary donations for the effort in Japan so relief agencies can purchase what is needed most.