Japan: 5 ways to help

With the world in shock over the devastation in Japan, it’s hard to go about the day without thinking about the many people who are suffering and in need of our help. Here are some ways you can. RED CROSS (US) http://www.redcross.org/ Donating $10.00 has never been easier. Text REDCROSS to 90999 on your cell phone and ten dollars will be added to your phone bill. Money received will directly impact the rescue and rebuilding efforts by The American Red Cross.

AMERICARES http://www.americares.org/ Michelle Jackson, AmeriCares emergency response manager, who has arrived in Japan, reports that the Tokyo airport is operational and rail service in the city is functioning, but many rail lines heading north are shut down. AmeriCares promise is simple: when people are in crisis, they will get the help they need, wherever they are, whenever they need it. Your donation is a vital part of that promise. To donate, please visit their website.

SAVE THE CHILDREN http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.61159 47/k.8D6E/Official_Site.html Save the Children serves impoverished, marginalized and vulnerable children and families in more that 120 nations. Their programs reach both children and those working to save and improve their lives, including parents, caregivers, community members and members of our partner organizations. They help save children’s lives, protect them from exploitation and assist them in accessing education and health care.

GLOBAL LIVING http://www.globalgiving.org/ Text JAPAN to 50555 to give a $10.00 donation. How does Global Living work? GlobalGiving begins with the dedicated, tenacious individuals who are driving change in their communities. From running orphanages and schools, to helping survivors of natural disasters, these people are do-gooders to the core. They connect these "good idea people" with the "generous giver people" and help projects of all sizes receive donations of all sizes.

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS. http://www.internationalmedicalcorps.org/ Their Mission: From Relief to Self-Reliance

International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs. Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, International Medical Corps is a private, voluntary, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life through health interventions and related activities that build local capacity in underserved communities worldwide. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency situations, International Medical Corps rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance.

We are all connected through humanity. Sometimes it takes a disaster to remind us.

Christine Macdonald is an activist, former stripper, recovering addict and cancer survivor. She is a writer currently working on Pour Some Sugar on Me: Tales from an Ex-Stripper, a memoir about nine years in the life of a dysfunctional sex worker. For more information about Christine Macdonald visit her website http://www.poletosoul.com/