Relief Efforts For The Earthquake In Japan

Fri, 03/11/2011 - 13:07 | Sarah Palmer

Before donating to the relief effort in Japan, please note the following:

The government of Japan has not released a full call for international donations; experts recommend as well that if you do choose to donate, please consider unearmarked donations to the charity of your choice. This ensures that, if the relief efforts being made in Japan are well funded, donations made during this time may be applied to other ongoing or new crises worldwide.

Information

Canadian Red Cross: Read their blog for updates here.
International Volunteer Card: For updates and ways to donate to relief efforts, read here.
Google Person Finder: For updates about and ways to get in touch with friends and family in Japan.
The Embassy of Japan in the U.S.: Helpful information about finding loved ones and more.
AlertNet: Q&As about how the Japan relief effort is coordinated

General Donations

Please note, I've included organizations officially assisting with this relief effort on the ground*, as well as those that respond to international emergencies. I urge you to donate without earmarks so that funds may be appropriated even for disaster situations that have ongoing rebuilding efforts, as well as those that may occur in the future.

Oxfam
Doctors Without Borders
International Medical Corps
Salvation Army
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Save the Children*
Global Giving
Adventist Relief and Development Agency Japan*
United Nations World Food Program*
Telecoms Sans Frontieres*
USAID

Update: I can't believe how many of you who are so moved to volunteer--it's wonderful to know individuals worldwide want to do everything they can to help with the relief efforts.

However, the best way to help right now is to read up on the emergency and what is needed, and choose a trusted organization that provides emergency/disaster relief. If organizations start calling for volunteers, I'll be sure to post them; though be warned, this may not happen for quite some time.

If you have tips or suggestions, please add them to the comments below.