Helping Make a Difference…
(Photo Credit: Keichi Nakane, Yomiuri Shimbun/AP)
As most of you know by now, a huge earthquake and tsunami hit Japan on Friday, March 11th, killing thousands of people. If you are interested in making a donation to help the people of Japan, please check out some of the tips below. Just think of the impact we can all make by coming together and donating!
How can you give back?
Well, first make sure you’re donating to a legit organization. Howard Friedman has written a great article found here with information about legitimate organizations you can donate to. He also encourages you to check out the Charity Navigator prior to donating any money…this navigator allows you to compare and rate charities. The Red Cross currently offers an option to donate a minimum of $10 by heading over here.
If you want a quick and easy way to help the Japan Relief Efforts, head over to the Voskos Greek Yogurt Facebook page and “like” them. Through March 22nd, Voskos Yogurt will donate $1 to a Japan earthquake relief fund for every Facebook “like” to this status. (Thanks, Family Friendly Frugality!)
* Through March 31st, AT&T wireless postpaid customers (i.e. those who receive a monthly bill from the company) will not be charged for international long distance usage from the United States and Puerto Rico to Japan and will not be charged for text messages to Japan originated from a U.S. wireless number. Through April 10th, most Verizon wireless and residential customers can make calls to Japan for free; Verizon postpaid customers in the U.S. will receive free text and multimedia messaging to Japan for the same time period. (Thanks, Ohio Coupon Connection, Linse, and Coupon Pro!)
Let us know what ways you’re helping to make a difference in the comment section. Let’s all try to inspire one another!
You can also donate Swagbucks to Japan Relief. This is what I found in the Swagstore this morning under ‘Gifts & Rewards Cards’ :
Here’s how the total Swag Bucks collected will be converted into a cash donation:
10,000,000 SB = $100,000.00
7,500,000 SB = $73,750.00
5,000,000 SB = $47,500.00
2,500,000 SB = $23,250.00
1,500,000 SB = $13,750.00
1,000,000 SB = $9,000.00
750,000 SB = $6,375.00
500,000 SB = $4,050.00
250,000 SB = $1,925.00
200,000 SB = $1,500.00
135,000 SB = $1,000.00
68,000 SB = $500.00
Thanks a lot for this info
Thanks Christy, I was about to post that as well. And even if you only have a few points, every little bit adds up
Thanks! Just gave all my 1800 swagbucks 🙂
Thank you for the great info, Christy. H . Thank you for your generous donation, Mrs. Hall.
I am collecting shoes for Soles for Souls to distribute in the disaster areas. Good shoes are needed to keep down diseases that are contracted through cuts, etc. in the feet. Or you can go to soles4souls.org and make a donation. $1=1 pair of shoes.
Great info Collin- thanks! I’m reposting to my facebook page. 🙂
Thank you guys for posting this information!
I donated money to Samaritan’s Purse. It is a Christian organization that also distributes shoe boxes for children in Operation Christmas Child and helps in other disaster/poor stricken areas.. Their web site stated they have deployed workers to help in Japan. I also left a comment on the mojo savings blog. They promised to donate $0.50 for each comment left under the post heading.
Thanks Christy H for the info! I just donated 250SB for the relief effort. it would be nice if they had a meter to show how everyone that donates SB wants to help anyway they can.
I donated to the same organization. The president of the organization is Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, and he does a great job reaching out to those in need.
Thank you for your generous donation, Corina and Lpmousse.
I really appreciate this, Collin. It just hurts so much every time I think about the disaster victims in my own country – I just keep on praying for them.
I donated some money to Red Cross through Amazon.com. I have an account there, so the check out process is easy. It’s on the upper right hand corner when you go to the webpage. I tried to copy and paste the address, but it didn’t work. Sorry.
Thanks so much, everyone!!!
You can get American Airlines miles when you donate through the American Red Cross… donate and get miles, two good things 🙂
https://www.aa.com/i18n/urls/disasterrelief.jsp
I have family in the affected area, so this is completely dear to my heart. I’ve written a few blog posts about Help Japan, so what I’ve got that you’ve missed is:
Buy a We Pray For Japan wristband for $5, plus an optional donation, from Lady Gaga and proceeds go towards relief: https://www.drugstoredivas.net/2011/03/help-japan-lady-gaga-wristband.html
TV Japan is free til Thursday: https://www.drugstoredivas.net/2011/03/tv-japan-free-til-thursday.html
I hope your loved ones are safe.
Thank you. They’re all safe, but their homes and belongings are not. But life is so much more important than an apartment, that’s for sure. Thanks for your thoughts!! I appreciate it.
This is so sad, my heart goes out to all those people that have lost family members and there homes and etc. I think the red cross would be the safest way to donate. Thanks Collins for all your helpful info.
Thank you very much for your post. I was really frustrated until was able to contact with my mom. All of my families in Japan are ok. I already set up for a date of fundraising for people in Japan. So many people needs so many help mentally and financially.
I know the Heart to Heart International is great organization. 98% of every donation goes to directly to the people in need.
I really appreciate from bottom of my heart to everyone who prays for them, thinking about them, donate money, setting up community for helping, anything what you can do for helping them… *non – stop tears*
Takako,
I’m glad that your family is okay. I know that is a big load off your mind…stay strong!
It just saddens me that these kinds of disasters have to happen 🙁
Fran, thank you for your warm thought. My heart is so hurting but I know I have to be strong for people in need. Still not easy to see/hear what’s going on over there without tears. I’ll donate all of my profit from my craft sale (hair bows) in really near future.
Here is a link to a page that tells you how you can help out the animals of Japan too!
https://teddyhilton.com/2011-03-15-help-the-animal-flood-victims-in-japan/?from=PH
Lets help the people first, this is devastating and my heart goes out to all the Japanese.
I just wanted to point out that the Voskos says it will donate for every like to that status – not just to their page. I didnt read it very closely until after I printed a coupon for liking their page, then I realized that it said that specific status. Thank you soooo much Collin for all that you do!
If you are in the Houston area, on Thursday we are assembling hygiene kits that will be sent over. I have a list of items needed here: https://mylitter.com/mylitter/thursday-help-assemble-hygiene-kits/
Plus, Chik Fil A is feeding us lunch!
This would be a great time to donate some of that toothbrush and toothpaste stockpile that you have!
Thanks
Tiffany (Mylitter)
Thank you for your great work and donation you will make. I really appreciate it. Also I’m already your fan on FB, just let you know.
Thank you so much for all of your support. I am Japanese and my side of family members all live there. Fortunately, my family only suffer from little damage, but many people are going through very very tough time. I really really appreciate so many people are supportive. Thank you all of you.
I am thrilled to hear that your family members are safe. I can only watch so much of the news before the tears start. This is beyond horrible.
I’m not able to contribute much financially, but today I will send off a check to the Billy Graham organization, checking the “where needed most” box. As someone else already mentioned, Franklin Graham and the whole organization helps where needed.
I can also send a box of personal hygiene items from my hip2save freebie “stash”. If someone has an address they could post for either an organization here in the U.S., or in Japan, I’m sure it would be beneficial for many of us who can’t donate much in cash. Thanks, and my prayers keep going up and out for the people of Japan.
Good hear that your loves one are safe. Work together and pray for them.
We collected a box of toiletries from our stockpile and are waiting for someone to say they are going. I know a church group or someone in our area will organize a relief effort soon (like during the Haiti crisis). If not, I will donate locally in hopes that the $s that would have been needed locally can go abroad.
Thank you for your warm thought. Please check on FB page call Mylitter (Tiffany, comment #12) is owner). She knows where the hygiene items you can donate to people in Japan.
Thanks so much for this information! Yesterday, I posted some information on a way to donate and receive a pink Bumplet (a bracelet that can also be used as an iphone 4 bumper). Go to https://luvd.it/ for more information, 100% of proceeds go to the Red Cross for Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief.
Also wanted to mention, RE: the Voskos Yogurt donations for “liking” them on FB and then “liking” their post…there’s a little link next to “like” and “comment” that says “share”…you can click on that to post it to your profile so that everyone on your friends list will see it and be able to click through to their page to do the same. 🙂
Thank you very much for posting about this, Collin! I’ve been watching live news from Japan on the net since last Friday. First few days, the phone line from here to Japan was blocked, so I couldn’t get in touch with my family over there, but I could send them e-mails and they were ok.
One of my friend in disaster area is still missing, so I’ve been praying for her & family’s safety.
I wish I could fly to see my parents & family in Japan. All I can do now are pray & donate, but I believe both will help. Every little help counts. I donated some money through my cellphone to Red Cross. I still have my bank account in Japan, so I could donate some using it too.
And I heard AT&T offers free call to Japan, so I could call to my sister’s home phone last night.(she says cellphone usage are limited now b/c of the power shortage or priority usage for the disaster area) We both talked about this situation of Japan with tears, but she says everyone united and give the hopes up to the future. I was glad to hear that and keep praying for everything settled down soon and more people will be saved.
Also want to a huge thank you for the people who are praying, donating and supporting for my country. Japanese people including me really appreciate it.
I hope your friend is all right, Karin. This is so heart-breaking, but it’s wonderful to know there are so many good people out there trying to help our country. Let’s pray together!!
Thank you so much, Yasuko. (TT) I’ve been checking the missing person site everyday, and hope they will be ok. Hope your family & friends are safe.
And yes I was so impressed how quickly alot of countries decided to help us. Also heard from my sister, that there were lots of people who affected by this helping each other in the disaster area. I’ll keep praying for Japan!!
I haven’t been able to contact my mother for a while, but thank goodness she called me and let me know she’s fine. Thanks so much for asking:-)
Glad to know here is another Japanese hip2save reader.
Yes, we pray and do whatever we can for help them.
I agree, thank you very much for all of people who support for Japan. PM me again, Karin.
I still feel so guilty that I’m being safe here. I’m still confused and don’t know how to spend my daily life.. I’m so feeling depressed and sad. My sister said many Japanese who were not affected by this feel the same way… But I have to take care of my family and stay strong. It was a huge relief for me to talk to you yesterday.(TT) Thank you Takako, I’ll PM you later.
I’ve been feeling the same way. I cannot afford to watch TV Japan (I guess they started free service lately, yay!!) so I’ve been watching the Fuji Sankei news in the morning. I’ve been depressed and confused and upset, so I haven’t been able to sleep well. My primary physician told me not to keep on looking for missing friends so that it won’t affect my health, but it’s tough. I think I’ll keep on doing whatever I can to help the victims and their families. My parents-in-law told me they were impressed to see that “Japanese are such humble, polite, and beautiful people.”, which made me feel happy. Let’s put our chins up!!
Yasuko, please check at prayforjapan.jp on FB. Tons of great people are supporting each other. I check the site very often everyday. I know this is tough but hopefully the site could really help you.
Thanks, Takako!! I’ll check the website up 🙂
ここでも日本語が打てるみたいなので日本語で書いてみます。
やすこさんと同じく震災以来毎日あまり眠れず、夜遅くベッドに入って朝起きて日本の状況が悪くなっていたら・・・と心配でニュース画面を最初に見る時が一番怖いです。ニコニコ動画で現在無料でNHK、フジ、TBSのライブニュースが見られるのでそこで見ています。食欲もなく、睡眠不足で落ち込んでいるのを見て、夫が心配し始めてしまいました。。こちらで泣いているばかりでは何の力にもなれないし家族にも心配をかけているので、いつも通りの生活に戻れるように努力します。私が出来る事は小さな事だけど、寄付やお祈りを続けて被災地の復興や避難所の方々の力になりたいです。フェイスブックのprayforjapan.jpは私もチェックしています。たくさんの方からのポジティブなコメントを読むと元気が出ますよ。
日本語が打てるなんてすごい！！！私はこのブログを日本人の方が見ておられるなんて考えもしなかったのでとても嬉しいです。昨日もお医者さんの前で泣いてしまいました。教えていただいたサイト、見ました。確かに沢山の方がコメントを書いておられだいぶ励まされました。ありがとうございました。お互いに、前向きに、今ある命と生活を大切にして被害に遭われた方々の分、日々を精一杯生きていきましょうね。元気がでました。カリンさん、ありがとうございました。靖子
みんなの小さな力が、一つの大きな力になる時です。ニコ動が無料で見れる情報、ありがとうございます。睡眠不足や食欲減退、私も同じです。悲しくて胸がはちきれそうです。でも日本は必ず立ち上がります。みんなで協力し合って日本復興へがんばりましょう。嬉し涙だけにしましょうね、もう悲しみはこれ以上いらないから、、、ptrayforjapanで勇気と希望を与えてもらっています。世界中のたくさんの友人達が日本のことを応援してくれている事を励みに生きていきましょう。
靖子さんの私へのコメントへお返事が付けられないのでこちらに書きますね。
そうですね、仰る通り、被災者・日本の事を祈りながら今与えられている自分の生活・命に感謝しながら前向きに生きていこうと思います。
もし私で良ければいつでもメッセージ下さいね。prayforjapan.jpのウォールにクイーンのyoutubeビデオ付きで今朝コメントをいれています。(プロフィール画像がハートの中にTogether, we are STRONGと入っているものです)
フェイスブックに行って prayforjapan.jp のページを見ようとしてるんですがページが重くてなかなか開けません。また後ほどトライしてみます。もし開けたら私も何か書きますね。でもそれだけ関心を持ってくださる方々が多いということですから喜ばしいことです。カリンさん、ありがとうございました。靖子
たかこさん、その通りですね。被災した方々はあれほどの災害の後にも、助け合い、望みを持って前向きに頑張っておられるのですね。一人でも多くの方々が、家族との再会を果たせるよう、心からお祈りすると共に、私に出来ることなど無に等しいけれど、みんなの大きな力のひとつになれれば、と思います。
たかこさん、かりんさん、やすこさん、とうこさん、ご家族が無事でなによりです。
私の家族も大丈夫でした。Hip2save の Reader に、こんなに沢山の日本人がいたことにビックリしましたが、今回のことで、皆思いは同じなんだなぁと勇気づけられました。一人で落ち込んでいましたが、この post を見つけてよかったです。
ともこさん、以前からたまにお名前をおみかけしておりました。御家族が御無事とお聞きして本当に良かったですね！こちらは人気ブログなのできっとコメントはしていないけれどここをチェックしておられる日本の方も多いと思います。
海外にいる私達のような日本人も今回の事で日本が心配でたまらず、でも何も出来ない・・・というジレンマに心を痛めていらっしゃる方が多いと思います。直接現地でお手伝いは出来ないけれど、寄付や祈りも充分日本の力になると思います。自分なりに今出来る事をしていこうと思っています。そうそう、ひとりじゃないですよ！みんなで頑張りましょう！！（＾＾）
I donate through my church. 100% of it goes directly to helping them. God bless Japan.
https://lds.org/library/page/display/0,7098,6209-1-3212-1,00.html
Good group. I donated through them as well.
Thank you for your donation.
Any donations to LDS Humanitarian Services are always sure to be used directly toward people in need and not used toward administrative costs. I am not even sure about the percentages for the Red Cross in that aspect. I always donate through LDS Humanitarian too, Vivienne! RULDS2? : )
YES I am! 🙂 You?
One of my friends is stationed over there with her husband and 2 kids. I’m a high school teacher. My kids and I are collecting supplies and we are going to send them to her APO box. She is going to make sure they get to the hardest hit areas and to the people who really need them.
Could you please contact me? I’d love to send her a box from my hip2save freebies stash! Just need her name, and APO box…I so want to help and know that what I send is going to help someone there. Thanks.
suemorgan56@yahoo.com
I’m so glad to see this post. I actually posted on it on my blog this morning as well. My heart goes out to the Japanese people. I lived there for 2 1 /2 years and think they are some of the most amazing people there are. If you’re curious about my post, you can read it here:
https://simplifylivelove.blogspot.com/2011/03/quiet-reflection.html
Thanks, Collin, for all you do for so many people!
GlobalGiving and Direct Relief International are two of the best charities to donate to at this point in time, to ensure that 100% of your donation is going directly to the relief efforts. Also, I know folks’ hearts are in the right places, but keep in mind that it’s much more efficient and helpful to donate money, not supplies, after a disaster like this.
I’m glad to see all these comments. My mom lives in northern Japan, just outside the destroyed zone. I know that all our donations will be greatly appreciated. I too was thinking of sending to Japan all the extra free toiletries I’ve amassed over the past few months.
My neighbor is Japanese – her family who is from Chiba have evacuated the area – this is from a friend of hers- a plea of help for 400 people being sheltered through this tragedy – they need our help – they need everything – can we dig into those stockpiles and help them out? The address is below – I know if you have neve done it it is intimidating to send things to another country but can you step out on a limb and just do it – you will feel so great after you do – and these people need our help – get the kids involved and have them help pack a box – post on FB – so others will be inspired – Thanks and have a blessed day! ` Lisa
HELP MINAMI SANRIKUCHO 宮城県南三陸町
by Paula Greenwood on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 2:25pmErwin Ortiz Principal Director of OGA International School located in Aomori City has recently traveled to Miyagi Prefecture, Minami Sanriku Cho and met with the Elementary Principal who is now hosting over 400 earthquake and tsunami victims. They have had little public attention and have this far received no humanitarian aid. We at OGA International School have organized and set up a donation center at our school site. We are asking anyone and everyone to help us help these desperate people.
Looking at the massive need for help within the whole country it is very overwhelming. We have chosen this city to dedicate our energy to make a difference and help where we can. Below is a list of needs but anything and everything can help these people. If you cannot bring items to OGA please contact us for pick up.
TEL 017-776-0911 Address: 〒030-0308 Aomori City, Yasukata 1-10-7 Email: otzpaula@gmail.com
Things Can Help With
Money
Clothes: (for all ages) thermals, shoes, socks, underwear, jackets, hats, gloves etc
Bedding: Blankets, Futons, Sheets, Pillows, Sleeping Bags
Toys, Books, Crayons, Paper, Coloring Books etc
Baby Products: Diapers, Wet Wipes, Formula, Bottles, Baby food
Food & Drink: Water, Tea, Juice, Canned, Instant, etc
Sanitary Items: Toilet Paper, Tissue, Napkins etc
Cleaning Products: Dish Soap, Sponges, etc
Toiletries: Shampoo, Conditioner, Hand soap, Body Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Razors, Towels
Camping Gear: Burners, Gas Bombay, Tents, Candles, Flashlights, Batteries
First Aid, Medicines, Vitamins, Water Purifiers
Kitchen Supplies: Pots, Pans, Utensils, etc
Disposable Tableware: Plates, Bowels, Chopsticks, Napkins, Plastic Silverware
Senior Diapers
Tools: Shovels, Brooms etc
２０１１年３月１４日
青森市にあるOGA インターナショナルスクールの校長であるエルウィン・オルティスが一昨日宮城県南三陸町を訪ね、現在40０人以上の地震と津波の犠牲者をとめている南三陸町立志津川小学校の後藤幸雄校長に会って来ました。彼らは、停電中、寒い中まだ何もない状態を過ごしています。私たちOGA インターナショナルスクールでは、地震と津波の犠牲者を助けるために、募金活動を行っております。
全国はなかなか助ける事が大変なので、私たちはこの町、南三陸町を精一杯助けようと思います。下には犠牲者のために必要としているものです。何でも助かるので、よろしくお願いします。
OGA インターナショナルスクールまでお持ち出来ない場合は、連絡すれば取りに行くことも出来ます。
電話017-776-0911 住所: 〒030-0308 青森市安方１丁目」１０－７ Eメール: otzpaula@gmail.com
Thank you so much for this post, Collin. I am Japanese and all my family still live in Japan. Fortunately they did not have any damage from this earthquake and tsunami, but as you all know there are thousands of people who are help. I’m sure this will make a great difference.
とうこさんの御家族が御無事で良かったです。
一日も早く被災者の方々が救助されて日本が復興に向けて立ち上がれるように祈り続けています。
かりんさんと同じ意見です。協力して早く日本が立ち直れるように少しずつでも努力していきましょう。prayforjapan.jp をチェックしてみてください。とても励みになります。
とうこさん、今私たちに出来ることは何か、を考えて実行に移し、皆で力を合わせて美しい国日本が立ち直れるように頑張りましょう。皆同じ思いでいます。
Billy Graham Ministry is collecting donations to help out. “World Emergency Fund – Japan”
https://secure.billygraham.org/p-274-world-emergency-fund-japan.aspx
Franklin Graham’s Ministry is collecing donations “Samaritan’s Purse”
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Giving/Project_Donations/?pc=13310
I saved $12 today at my grocery store… so why not donate that savings? I’ll save even more the next time I shop.
If you know anyone with family in Japan, PLEASE ask them how their family are doing, even if they might live far from the quake. A small gesture will go a long ways. My friend still hasn’t been able to contact her father (who worked at the airport that got flooded).
Tiffany, where will you be sending them and/or which organization is it through? I’m here in Beaumont and i’d love to get something going here as well, I know we did donations for Haiti so i’ll pester my boss about this.
You can contact with Tiffany at Mylitter at FB or her blog. HTH.
My familys are okay but my friend’s mom and dad are still missing. We are just praying for them everyday. Please prey for those people who are still under the tsunami debris . The weather is freezing in Sendai and other northan part of Japan, but a lot of people are still waiting for the help. .
りょうこさんのご家族がご無事で良かったです。
お友達のご両親も一日も早くご無事でご連絡先が確認されますように。
たくさんの被災者の方々の安全と行方不明の方々がひとりでも多く救助されますよう、日本が一日も早く最悪の事態から救われるようにと祈り続けています。
かりんさんと同意見です。力をあわせて一日も早く復興できるように頑張っていきましょう。離れていても助け合う事はできます。お友達のご両親がどうかご無事でとお祈りしています。
りょうこさん、お友達のご両親がどうかご無事でおられますように。心からお祈りしています。皆で力を合わせて希望を持って生きていきましょう。強くなりましょう。
りょうこさん、お友達のご両親のご無事を信じて心からお祈りしています。
Thanks for the information, Collin. This is something simple and easy that all of us can do.
A few other people already said it, but to add it again– donate your swagbucks!!
Thank you for your warm thought. Please share your comment on FB with your friends as well if you have one. Thanks again.