Community Corner

How Dexter Residents Can Help Those Affected by Japan's Earthquake-Tsunami Disaster

Here's a list of how you can help those affected by this disaster.

An 8.9-magnitude earthquake rattled Japan early Friday, triggering a ferocious tsunami that hit the country's eastern shore, leaving hundreds dead and death tolls expected to rise. 

This disaster has left the many people in Japan's northeastern coastal towns struggling with limited resources and dealing with incomprehensible damage. But there are many ways, our communities can help.

Here are a few ideas on how you can help the victims affected by the earthquake and tsunami:

Find out what's happening in Dexterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Red Cross is organizing efforts to help. According to Patricia Sliter, director of financial development for the Washtenaw County Red Cross, said Red Cross officials have been in contact with the Japan Red Cross and are waiting further updates.

"We're continuously collecting for disaster relief both globally, nationally and locally and we can always use the support of our local communities," she said.

Find out what's happening in Dexterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Donations can be sent via online at the Red Cross's donation website or by texting REDCROSS to 90999, which will in turn donate $10. Local residents can also donated on the local county chapter's website. In addition, family members who are trying to connect with family overseas can visit the International Committee of the Red Cross website for assistance.

"Funds will go to assist the Japan Red Cross as they assess the damage, first aid and medical needs of their citizens," Sliter said.

Save the Childrenthe world's leading independent organization for children, released a statement today that the organization is "mobilizing its global resources to respond to the needs of children and families affected by the earthquake and its aftermath, and an international emergency team has been dispatched to assist staff in Japan." Those looking to donate to that effort can visit Save the Children's donation page.

Global Giving has set up a fund-raising effort that has raised thousands of dollars so far and "will disburse funds to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami," according to the Global Giving donor website. Donors can choose to give a one-time or recurring donation of anywhere between $25 and $1,000.

The Salvation Army has set up a donation website for Metro Detroit. Donations can be made online or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by sending a check, marked “Japan Earthquake Relief,” to The Salvation Army World Service Office, International Relief Fund, PO Box 630728, Baltimore,
MD 21263-072800.


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