Japan Tsunami Relief: How You Can Help

Since the Japanese earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011, donations for tsunami relief have totaled about 64 million dollars. So far, this figure is less than one-third of the dollar amount donated after the Haiti earthquake. Why have donations for Japan tsunami relief lagged behind money raised for other recent disasters? Blame it on a dismal economy, burnout from being asked for donations in the wake of disasters, or the perception of Japan as a wealthy, industrialized nation; but whatever the cause, the public has been slower to respond with donations for Japan tsunami relief.

Japan is in crisis, the scope of the disaster is mind boggling, and the country remains in desperate need of emergency relief. There are ways to reach out and contribute money to the cause while ensuring that your donations go directly to help those suffering in Japan. Here's how you can help with Japan tsunami relief.

Japan Tsunami Relief: Tips for Donating Money

When considering a donation for Japan tsunami relief, you want to be sure that your dollars will be used to help Japan, not for some other purpose. Unfortunately, in the wake of disasters like the Japan earthquake and tsunami, phony "charities" and scams often spring up to take advantage of adversity and make money from the tragedy. The best way to avoid this is to look for recognized charities that have been around for a while, those with a proven track record.

Carefully research a charity before making a donation for Japan tsunami relief, then give money through that charity's verified web site. Another great way to give: look for a portal, like the one at CharityNavigator.org, which provides links to vetted charities that help with Japan earthquake and tsunami relief. Don't fall for random phone calls, emails or solicitations on the street; it's much better to investigate charities on your own, become informed and then donate through recognized web sites or a portal that lists reputable organizations for Japan tsunami relief.

If you would like to help, here are a few reputable sites and portals for Japan earthquake and tsunami relief.

Network for Good

NetworkforGood.org has set up a portal with a long list of links to charities that assist with Japan tsunami relief. The list of recognized charities you can donate to include Mercy Corps, Save the Children, Salvation Army and more. Click on the red "Give to All" button at Network for Good to make one donation that will be distributed across all the charities listed that provide Japan tsunami relief. Follow the link at the bottom of the page for another list of more charities working to provide relief efforts in Japan.

RedCross.org

RedCross.org is the official site of the American Red Cross, one of the most recognized disaster relief organizations in the world, providing aid for disasters like the Haiti earthquake, and now Japan earthquake and tsunami relief. According to this organization's mission, its highest aim is the prevention and relief of suffering. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross, and visit the official site of the Red Cross to donate online for Japan tsunami relief.

Charity Navigator

CharityNavigator.org is another great portal with links to reputable charities that help with Japan earthquake and tsunami relief. Charity Navigator is America's foremost evaluator of the country's largest charities, and the site provides a list as well as ratings of Japan earthquake and tsunami relief organizations. Click on a charity's name to read more about its mission, the organization's Charity Navigator rating, and to make an online donation to the charity (you can give two ways: click on the green donate button to make a donation at Charity Navigator through its partner site Network for Good, or follow the link to each charity's official site).

ShelterBox USA

ShelterBox USA provides immediate relief for victims of worldwide disasters by distributing boxes of aid that contain emergency shelter and vital equipment. Each box contains a tent that will provide shelter for up to ten people, cooking supplies, water purification, blankets and tools. Your donation to ShelterBox USA will give the displaced and homeless people in Japan supplies that are desperately needed for survival.

World Vision

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization on the ground in Japan, distributing supplies for earthquake and tsunami relief and preparing programs to address the needs of children traumatized by the disaster. This organization receives Charity Navigator's four star rating and World Vision has a track record of Japan disaster relief, providing aid to Japan after previous disasters like the 1995 Kobe earthquake.

Let common sense be your guide when making donations for Japan tsunami relief. Take the time to do some research, discover your charities of choice, then donate from a portal like Network for Good or Charity Navigator or go directly to a charity's web site. Japan has a long road ahead in dealing with this disaster; through careful and thoughtful giving, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you helped ease suffering by making a donation for much needed Japan earthquake and tsunami relief.

Sources:

http://online.wsj.com/article/APf5660347db8b47908ba4b411a8a46f57.html

http://www1.networkforgood.org/help-survivors-pacific-quake-tsunami

http://www1.networkforgood.org/japanquake/morecharities

http://www.redcross.org

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?cpid=1221&bay=content.view

http://www.shelterboxusa.org

http://www.worldvision.org