Metro Atlanta organizations are gearing up to help victims of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan.
While officials in Japan are still assessing the damage and their needs, several nonprofits are accepting donations to help in the relief efforts.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta has opened an emergency relief fund through its overseas affiliate, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Donations can be made at www.JewishAtlanta.org.
Habitat for Humanity International, which builds housing for those in need, is seeking donations to help families affected by the disaster. Go to www.habitat.org/cd/giving/one/donate.aspx?link=353 to donate.
The Japan-America Society of Georgia has posted information about the earthquake and tsunami on its website, www.jasgeorgia.org, with links that allow visitors to donate to the society or to the American Red Cross. The site also offers links to Google Person Finder and disaster message boards that allow relatives to post and seek messages determining the status of people in the disaster area. Go to www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp.
The American Red Cross is accepting donations at www.redcross.org. You also can text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to help.
Atlanta-based CARE, which has a longstanding presence in Japan, issued a statement Saturday saying it is "working with other actors to determine our exact role in the response." Donations can be made at www.care.org.
Charity Navigator has a list of charities accepting donations to help tsunami victims as well as tips on giving at www.charitynavigator.org. The list will be updated as the charity watchdog group learns of more organizations assisting in relief efforts.
The Salvation Army is also collecting to aid survivors of the disaster in Japan. People can help in the following ways:
- Text the words "Japan" or "Quake" to 80888 to make a $10 donation.
- By phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
- On-line at: www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.
- By mail: Send your check, marked "Japan earthquake relief" to The Salvation Army World Service Office International Relief Fund, PO Box 630728, Baltimore, MD 21263-0728.
The Salvation Army is currently not accepting in-kind donations from the general public for disaster relief operations in Japan.
On Saturday, the organization raised $1,000 to help Japan relief efforts during its celebration of cultures festival in Gwinnett.
Staff writer Bo Emerson contributed to this article.
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