Red Cross Donation Accepted for Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami

Posted by Wendy Osher

Japanese Red Cross teams walk through what is left of the Otsuchi prefecture on March 12, 2011 after a deadly earthquake and pacific-wide tsunami. Photo courtesy International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter continues coordinated efforts to get donations to affected communities in the aftermath of the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami last week.

“We are very touched by the generosity of Hawaii’s businesses and groups who have come together to help victims of this terrible tragedy,” said Coralie Matayoshi, CEO of the American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter. “The people of Japan are suffering tremendously and what they need now is our donations to help them get back on their feet,” said Matayoshi.

Donations can be made to the Red Cross via their

• website at www.redcross.org
• via text with the words: REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
• by calling: (808) 739-8109.
• or by mail to:  American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter  4155 Diamond Head Road  Honolulu, HI 96816 (When mailing a check, please indicate your designation on the check’s memo line: “Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami”)

The Red Cross does NOT accept in-kind donations of goods because of the cost and logistical challenges in transporting, warehousing, sorting, and distributing the goods, and the fact that the goods might not be needed, appropriate, or culturally sensitive.

Red Cross officials say donating money that can be sent and spent in Japan will also help stimulate the devastated economy of the region.

The Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization which provides assistance to meet the immediate emergency needs of those affected by disasters. All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free.

(Information courtesy Hawaii Red Cross; Photo Courtesy, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.)