Volunteer/Donate to Help Japanese Earthquake Victims
Some people have e-mailed us and left comments asking for information on how to volunteer or send help to the victims of the massive earthquake that hit Japan on Friday. Right now, anyone who is not a doctor or trained emergency response professional should avoid the effected area, since more people going there will only create logistical problem. Japanese news sources are reporting it may take a week or more for the situation to calm down to the point where regular volunteers will be needed.
In the meantime, residents of Japan can find more volunteer information by checking with volunteer centers in their area. You can find a volunteer center near you by searching Google for the following (in Japanese):
“ボランティアセンター” + (name of your city in Japanese)
People are also strongly encouraged to donate money to relief organizations.
If you live in Japan want to donate money, online donations can be made through Yahoo. Cause-Action.jp also has a big list of charities accepting donations, as well as companies, such as Tsutaya, which are allowing customers to donate their accumulated member points to charity.
Before donating money, please check up on the organization that is soliciting donations. Charity Navigator has a bunch of tips on choosing the right charity, as well as list of recommended credible international charities that are taking donations.
- Akihabara News – Gadgetry from Japan (Subscribe)
- Dannychoo.com – Your portal to Japan (Subscribe)
