Please share how Hoosiers can help Tsunami victims

[Pat Coyle]

What can Hoosiers do to help? People impacted by this disaster are going to need help. In the hours and days to come, if you hear of ways Hoosiers are getting involved, please share them here so we can all be aware of ways we can help too. Share news here

[Tanya Hoover]

I have contacted several people I know in Japan.  One of them is now stranded at work in Tokyo, as the trains are not moving.  Besides contacting them to provide emotional support, we can pray until we are able to do more.

[Taylor Martin]

Maybe just getting off or our collective butts and preparing for when it happens in Indiana, again. The largest earthquake in North American history happened with the New Madrid Fault in 1811. It can happen here.

 

New Madrid Earthquakes

 

No amount of prayer will stop it or help when it happens. And it will, it's the way the planet is built, folks.

[Tanya Hoover]

I think preparing for an earthquake here is a good idea.  There seems to be an unusual amount of seismic activity going on right now.  The recent quake in Arkansas was the most powerful in 35 years.

[Tanya Hoover]

However, let's get back to the question of what we can do to help the people in Japan.

[Tim Ottinger]

A quick look at Charity Navigator lists the following having international capabilities and asset size to act quickly.

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.results&ov...

AmeriCares is a strong 4-star rated contender. Red Cross is good but I think because of size and bureaucracy, it has fallen to a 3-star efficiency rating.

Prayers to so many in the region.

Tim Ottinger

[Katherine Murray]

Hi--Google has posted a Japan Quake Person Finder at http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en

 

You can look for people you're worried about and also post information about people you know are okay if you've heard from them.

 

Prayers and good thoughts to all those affected in Japan and throughout the whole Pacific region.

 

Katherine

[wiley raborn, jr]

 first ,by taking a deep breath, it's horrible but before you give ,check what the neighboring countries are doing,  they are logistically able to do more,what is the UN doing,there is no need to duplicate. then give to the organizations that have the best handle on the situation. it is not always the US. Please watch out for tear jerking rip offs!

 

  also get your own emergency kits and plans together

 

finally pray for those there and us here.

[Kelli B Schmith]

Great question.  My answer is simple, even blunt.  Just go do something good... for someone... anyone in need ... anywhere.  Monetary donations to the Red Cross and other response agencies are a SPLENDID way to extend their reach.  But don't stop there.  

 

If, as individuals, we can't DO something directly in support of THIS disaster, then let's do something here, now, in honor of it. Good, compassionate acts of kindness go toward the collective good.  

 

1. Greater Indianapolis Red Cross
   1. Become a committed Disaster Action Team Member  (Marion County Link) 
   2. Volunteer with Disaster Staff Services
   3. Support first responders by giving time to the Mobile Feeding Response Team
   4. Give 2 hours a week as a volunteer Office Assistant
   5. Show your gratitude as a Veterans Hospital Volunteer
       
2. Give 3 hours to the Ronald McDonald House (Indianapolis). You'll be a part of the lifeline for the 1,900 families who stay at the RMH because they are in the wake of a their own disaster.
3. Instead of this week's Target spree for "you," buy much-needed razors, soap or deodorant for Wheeler Mission. 
4. Lend a hand and a chance at a new existence at Wheeler's Center for Women and Children.  

[Blake Ensign]

As someone with family @60 miles from the concerns in Japan, my humble suggestion is to stay on top of the local agencies and organizations collecting money "for Japan" to learn where are they sending the collection. 

 

Folks not as close to it can ask "Who is being helped by the collection of money?"  Would like to see the tracking information of how is the collected funds going to be used?  Or how will will donated generosities help Hoosier families with family members in Japan.  With all the money sent, seems like some boats and buses could be hired to help collect folks closest to the areas of concern...

[Tanya Hoover]

The Japan-America Society of Indiana has partnered with Chase, Fifth Third, Old National, and PNC to establish a Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.  Donations may be made through their website, www.japanindiana.org or at any of the branches of the banks mentioned above.