Petty Officer 2nd Class Seneca Jernigan, hull technician, left, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Steven Tai, yoeman, move pallets of humanitarian assistance supplies across the flight deck of the U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron M. Pineda/US Navy/Handout/Digital/Corbis
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The north shore of Japan was hit by a devastating tsunami last week due to an 8.9 magnitude earthquake 80 miles off the coast. Over 200,000 residents are now in temporary shelters with thousands more still trapped amidst the wreckage. With the death toll reaching over 10,000 and a threat of a nuclear meltdown, the country is in need of support.
Though you may not be close to the damages, there are still ways to help. We’ve compiled a list of the best relief organizations that are making the most of donations to provide relief to victims and their families.
Global Giving
With a strong emphasis on international involvement, Global Giving works with local and worldwide organizations to provide on the ground, immediate relief. Donors can choose where they want their money to go and receive e-mail updates on how their funds are being used. Global Giving puts partner organizations through a rigorous application process to ensure that donations are being used to the maximum potential.
Save the Children
Save the Children provides assistance to children and their families throughout the world with a variety of program areas like child education and development, health and nutrition, and violence prevention. Contributors have the option of making a one time offering or sponsoring an individual child within the community.
International Medical Corps
International Medical Corps provides community-based primary health care with an emphasis on training and education to local staff. To ensure long-term growth, this organization recruits and trains over 96 percent of its field-based staff from the local community. The program also focuses on mental health and education issues to help victims long after the crisis has passed.
Doctors Without Borders
With a strong emphasis on providing quality care to remote areas, Doctors Without Borders has reached spots in Japan that have been virtually inaccessible by road since the tsunami. Custom-designed medical kits, including complete operating rooms, help provide specialized care to victims in a variety of climates and conditions.
World Vision
World Vision provides a number of programs to impoverished nations throughout the world. Individual funds are set up to provide clean water, shelter, clothing, and also emergency aid. For as little as $10, donors can contribute to any one of these funds or sponsor a child or family in an affected area.
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