Save The World

Do your part and give to those in need, every little bit helps.  

It was hard for me to even write a tip, in light of the massive earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear plant failures that have devastated Japan recently.  I watched a slideshow of the wreckage and it brought me to tears.  Families have been displaced from their homes, many were killed, several thousands of people are still missing, and radiation levels make the search and rescue missions more dangerous every day.  Let's do everything we can to assist Japan, and here is how:

• The Red Cross has already launched efforts in Japan and you can get involved by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation from your cell phone, or make a donation through their website.
• Save The Children has responded to Japan hoping to meet the needs of the children, who are most vulnerable in a disaster.  Help them organize their efforts by supporting its Children's Emergency Fund.  UNICEF is doing the same thing.  
• International Medical Corps is responding to the health needs of the disaster's victims.  To donate or learn about more ways to contribute, click here.  Also, text MED to 80888 from any cell phone to give $10.
• The The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund, which will be given to a variety of relief organizations helping victims of the earthquake both now and long-term.  Support them by donating to their website.  
• The Salvation Army will soon send a team to the severely damaged city of Sendai, Japan.  To contribute to earthquake their relief efforts, text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation from your cell phone.    
• Doctors Without Borders is sending two three-person teams to the Iwate and Miyagi prefectures in Japan.  To learn more, or donate to their efforts, click here.  
• Peace Winds Japan currently has personnel on the ground distributing emergency relief in Japan, and is collecting donations through this website.
• Operation USA is collecting bulk corporate donations of health care supplies.  Visit their website for details on how to donate these items.
• The International Fund for Animal Welfare is deploying a team to assess needs of regarding animal rescue.  They are encouraging support through donations on their website, which will be used to buy pet food, veterinary supplies, vaccines, and other necessities.
• World Vision is mobilizing global efforts to assist in tsunami relief.  Donate through their website.  
• Show you care by purchasing this bracelet created by Lady Gaga or a tshirt created by Linkin Park, the proceeds of which all go towards relief efforts in Japan.
• Even Charlie Sheen is taking time out from ranting on his webcam to donate $1 from every ticket sold for his upcoming tour to aid Japan.

A little prayer, a little hope, and a little aid go a long way when everyone pitches in.  A good friend of mine from college, who happens to be a Japanese Foreign Exchange Student, sent out a mass email asking for help for his home country.  At the end he wrote, "There is a famous Japanese proverb: 'Chirimo tsumoreba yama to naru', which means, 'Many small make a great.'"  And I firmly believe in that.

You've been tipped, J