On March 11, 2011 at 2:46PM Japanese Time, there was a magnitude 8.9 Earthquake of the Eastern Japanese Coast near Sendai. The epicenter was less than 250 miles away from Tokyo. There has been massive damage from the earthquake and following tsunami. Reports also indicate a massive loss of life. The Salvation Army in Japan, which is headquartered in Tokyo, has begun sending relief workers. Also, because of the disabling of public transportation, many people who work downtown and aren’t able to return home have taken shelter in The Salvation Army Japanese Headquarters building. With massive, and widespread damage and displaced people, they will be relying on help from the international community to be able to supply the relief efforts.
Here are some ways you can help the people of Japan:
1. Prayer. During this time, all the people living in Japan can use your prayers. Please keep them in your thoughts.
2. Donations are being accepted in many ways:
A. Text Message Donation: You can text “Japan” to 80888 to make a $10 Donation. Standard text messaging rates apply and the $10 will be applied to your phone bill.
B. By Phone: You can call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
C. Online: www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org There is also a link on our Donate page. Please indicate “Japanese Earthquake” during the process when prompted.
D. By Mail: On your check, please indicate “Japan Earthquake Relief” and Pay to the order of “The Salvation Army”
You can mail it to:
The Salvation Army
PO Box 80066,
Prescott, AZ. 86304-8066
E. In Person: You can bring in your donation to The Salvation Army SF Chinatown Corps during regular office hours. Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
At this time, The Salvation Army is not accepting in-kind donations from the general public for disaster relief operations in Japan. Keep in mind it will be extremely difficult and expensive to ship in-kind donations overseas from the United States to Japan. It is more efficient for disaster relief agencies to purchase needed resources locally and for immediate distribution with the disaster area. The best way for U.S. donors to help Japanese disaster survivors is to make a cash donation.
Please note that your local The Salvation Army continues to accept donations of used clothing, furniture and other items to support local programming. For more information, please visit our donate webpage.