Red Cross relief efforts in Japan have become a global initiative, and the Genesee-Lapeer chapter is doing its part.
"We're trying to make sure the media and press and everybody out there knows about the need, and right now, the need is just a financial donation," Red Cross Development Director Jeanette Lake said.
Mid-Michigan residents have two options if they want to donate right away: They can donate from their cell phone or through the American Red Cross website.
"One is the text message which gives $10 directly to the Japanese relief effort and the other is to go to the general donation screen and click on 'I want my money to go to Japan for disaster relief,'" Red Cross Disaster Volunteer Coordinator Dick Beauchamp said.
Keep in mind, 91 cents from each dollar goes to Japan, while the other nine cents goes toward administration costs.
Lake says the money raised will go toward basic necessities. "There are thousands of people in shelters in need of fresh drinking water and food and warmth. It's cold over there."
Something that typically comes to mind when a disaster strikes is making a blood donation to the American Red Cross. However, when it comes to Japan, that isn't the case.
"Blood is always an important part for any disaster, but Japan has not requested blood yet. We are standing by, and if the need is there and they request it, we'll be ready to respond," Beauchamp said.
For those still searching for missing family members in Japan, Beauchamp encourages them to use the family link section on the Red Cross website. "If your relatives are trying to contact you, they will see your name and cell phone number. Or if they have registered on the Japanese end, you'll be able to see that they're okay and find out how to contact them."
