We all want to help the people of Japan, but some of us may not know how. Here’s an article by Jessica Dickler, staff writer for CNNMoney.com from March 12, 2011 with good information on how to help and some suggestions on where to give.
Japan earthquake: How you can help
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — After the fifth largest earthquake in history struck Japan, many Americans have been eager to help — but donations can be tricky, particularly in the earliest phase of the recovery effort.
Despite the massive destruction seen in Tokyo and the surrounding area, “at this stage it’s very difficult to say the extent of the need,” said Andrea Koppel, a spokeswoman from the American Red Cross.
Daniel Borochoff, president of the American Institute of Philanthropy, advises those ready to make donations to “wait and see how the situation develops and step forward when clear charitable needs arise.”
An immediate response is not necessarily best, he says. “It’s ok to get assessments on the situation and then send contributions.”
Impact Your World – CNN
For those who intend to help victims of Friday’s 8.9-magnitude quake, experts advise following these guidelines in the days ahead:
Who to give to
Patrick Rooney, executive director of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, recommends giving to reputable aid organizations, like the Red Cross and Save the Children, because those organizations already have a presence in the impacted area and their response will likely be faster and more efficient than other organizations that are not on the ground.
“They have the experience and infrastructure necessary to provide help,” he said.
The Japanese Red Cross has already deployed 900 rescue workers to the affected region today and the American Red Cross has emergency responders on standby, Koppel added.
What to give
“Give money, not food, water and clothes,” Rooney advised. “There’s a much higher shipping cost for supplies and it’s easier for disaster organizations to get cash and use it as they need to.”
In addition, it can be difficult to determine what supplies will be most needed, particularly in the early stages of a recovery effort, and in the case of Japan, there are many supplies already on hand.
Currently, a Red Cross warehouse in Malaysia is fully stocked with enough relief supplies to aid 5,000 families, according to Koppel.
What to avoid
Unfortunately, an influx of websites that are not legitimate often crop up in the wake of natural disasters, soliciting for charitable donations to aid victims.
“I guarantee websites pop up in the next 24 hours that are likely to be fraudulent,” Rooney said. Read more . . .
And, remember…Feed Your Good Dog, so your good dog always wins!