Helping Japan

It's been 3 days since the disastrous earthquake and tsunami hit Japan.  It's a little hard for us to grasp it all, but just watch the news for a bit, and you'll see how devastating it is.  Take a few minutes to watch this video or look at these before & after photos.

We may feel helpless here on the other side of the world, but of course there are ways to help.  First of all, we can pray - for the survivors, for those who have lost loved ones, for those who have lost everything they had, for the rescuers and relief teams, and for God's love and comfort to be felt by those who are suffering.

And we can give ...

The American Red Cross:  You can text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to help victims of the Japan earthquakes and pacific tsunami. You can also give online here.
The Salvation Army:   Text the words “Japan” or “Quake” to 80888 to make a $10 donation. Or give online.
WorldVision:  Donate online here.
Samaritan's Purse:  See how they're already working to help and donate here.


I'm joining other bloggers to help spread the word about this relief effort.  I made my own donation tonight through Samaritan's Purse.  Please consider donating, and if you do, comment below and let me know.  I will donate another $1 for every comment (up to $100)!

Update:  More ways to help!

• Juli is making baby blankets to send to Japan.  She is taking whatever you can send her:  fabric, thread, financial help.
• Expressions Vinyl is donating 100% of their profits on Tuesday March 15 to the aid efforts in Japan.
• Voskos Greek Yogurt Pledges $1.00 per “Like” on FB Towards a Japan Earthquake Relief Fund
• Donate to the Search Dog Foundation.  Their six SDF Canine Disaster Search Teams arrived in Japan on March 13 and are traveling to the devastated region where the skills of the canines are critically needed to find people trapped in the rubble. 
• MyShirtHelps - Buy one of these tshirts and 50% of the net proceeds go to charity
• The Rusted Chain is donating $10 from each Blessed necklace they sell to help Japan.