How You Can Help Victims of Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami

The 8.9-magnitude earthquake that rattled Japan Friday and triggered a ferocious tsunami that hit the country's eastern shore, leaving thousands dead and death tolls expected to rise, has prompted numerous relief and aid efforts.

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:

The Red Cross is organizing efforts to help. You can donate to the effort by visiting the Red Cross's donation website or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone, according to a Huffington Post article.

The Salvation Army has several ways you can help:

 * Text “Japan” or “Quake” to 80888 to make a $10 donation

 * Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY
 
 * Donate online at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org

 * Send a check, marked “Japan earthquake relief” to:
    The Salvation Army World Service Office
    International Relief Fund
    PO Box 630728
    Baltimore, MD 21263-072800

Save the Children, the world's leading independent organization for children, released a statement Friday 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 Web site. Donors can choose to give a one-time or recurring donation of anywhere between $25 and $1,000.

The Google Person Finder has been set up for those looking to locate loved ones in Japan. The link to that site is: http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en.

Do you know of any local groups in Northern Virginia helping those in need following Japan's earthquake and tsunami? If so, please share with other readers in the comments section. Thanks!