6 Ways to Help Support Japan
According to Reuters, Japan's multiple disasters are estimated to exceed $170 billion. In the wake of disaster, continued global support is paramount. So what can you do to help? Here is a list of five different ways.
1. Support Organizations on the ground
Here a few of the organizations doing work on the ground that could use your support
- The United Nations Foundation
- Doctors Without Borders - The international organization has already sent an 11-person team to Japan. More personnel staff are standing by in Japan and other countries to increase assistance.
- Habitat for Humanity -Habitat for Humanity has committed to helping with cleanup and rebuilding efforts.
- Global Giving - the website is dispersing funds to a variety of groups, including International Medical Corps, Save the Children and Japanese organizations on the scene.
2. Text a donation
- Mercy Corps - text "MED" to 80888 to send a $10 donation.
- The Salvation Army - text "JAPAN" or "QUAKE" to 80888 to send a $10 donation.
- American Red Cross - text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to send a $10 donation.
- World Vision - text "4JAPAN" or "4TSUNAMI" to 20222 to donate $10.
- International Medical Corps - text “MED” to 80888 to donate $10.
3. Donate food
ImportFood.com is working hard to get food donations to Japan, by allowing customers to donate via their website and then packing and shipping directly to the US military base. Their first shipment included 2000 lbs of rice, more than 2200 energy bars, and about 2400 instant noodle packets. They're holding off on a second round of donations until the first set hits the ground and gets distributed, but you can keep an eye on the website to see when they'll be asking for the second round.
4. Donate a pair of shoes
Soles 4 Souls is taking shoe donations and will allocate as many 100,000 pairs for the quick response.
5. Donate through iTunes
You can give from $5 to $200 via your iTunes account. Click here to open the link in iTunes. (Donations go to the American Red Cross).
6. Stay engaged
An excellent reminder from charity watchdog Charity Navigator:
Do Not Expect Immediate Results, But Do Keep Tabs On What Your Donation Accomplishes- It takes time for charities to mobilize, to assess the problems that need to be addressed and to develop effective solutions. Donors need to be patient so charities will not feel pressured to plunge in and offer ineffective aid, simply to placate impatient donors. That doesn't mean donors shouldn't hold the charities accountable for delivering on their promises! Be sure to follow up with the charity in a few months to find out (a) how your donation was put to use and (b) if the organization needs additional support to complete the recovery effort.
Image: Daily Mail
