Lenten Thanks, Day 6
Thank you, God, for my safe, pretty little house and for all my quiet, courteous, and civil neighbors.
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Now we can see what happens to our safe little homes when the gods shrug. Viewing the stills and videos from Japan leaves one stunned at the enormity of the disaster befalling these extraordinary people.
What can we as individuals do to help, if anything? Twitter is awash in appeals to send money hither and yon. Be careful of these: some are scams.
If you want to make a donation, stick to recognized charities, such as the Red Cross. But bear in mind that at this point it’s unclear to what extent donations to entities outside Japan are reaching the country; you can donate directly (in yen only) to the Japanese Red Cross through Google Crisis Response. Before hurrying to send money, go to Charity Navigator for guidelines on wise giving and for ratings of charities engaged in the Japan relief effort.
Among the many creditable organizations that are acting to help, you might consider the ones listed below. However, call and confirm that donations are really being directed to crisis relief in-country.
Médecins sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders)
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency
Catholic Relief Services
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
Convoy of Hope
International Medical Corps
Oxfam USA
Real Medicine Foundation
Save the Children
Shelterbox
World Vision
My daughter and grandson have been to Africa and Haiti (after their earthquake) with medial mission teams.
Their suggestion to us is to wait until a medical mission – preferably local – is going to Japan and donate directly to them. You may be surprised how many local or sort of local groups go to places that need help. The money goes directly where it is needed.