Relief effort in Japan – What you can do:

The horrible events of the last few days with Japan’s earthquake and Tsunami makes one feel a little helpless on what to do to help our family, friends and neighbors in Japan. Donate your money. Volunteer your time if you are near a non profit that is sending over supplies. Stay informed as to what is going on and help others understand. Especially children.  A friend of mine posted this as her status yesterday on Facebook. I thought it was wonderful:

“When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news,

my mother would say to me,

‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”

~ Fred Rogers.

Donate now:

Shelterbox – Sending out boxes with survival supplies to displaced quake victims

Mercy Corps – Help to rebuild communities after devastating destruction

Doctors Without Borders – volunteer international team of doctors and nurses

American Red Cross Text “Red Cross” to 90999 =$10 on bill

International Red Cross

Save The Children

Global Giving

Americares

Artists Help Japan

Animal Rescue:

IFAW – International Federation of Animal Welfare

Kinship Circle – International Animal Rescue

Animal Refuge Kansai – Organization in Japan desperately needing help volunteer wise and money.

Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue a coalition of three groups; HEART-Tokushima, Animal Garden Niigata and Japan Cat Network. They are groups that have been rescuing and rehoming animals in Japan for many years.

Also:  The U.S. State Department is urging any U.S. citizens to contact friends and family as soon as possible. They can also e-mail the State Department at JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov. Those seeking information on security in or travel to Japan can call 1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444.

Google has set up a people finder here

As I get more info I will post more links. As with most large disasters, the people rescue is first, and once recovery efforts start, the animal rescues get the go ahead.

Thanks to Yoko Ono for her beautiful post and links on her website.