Peninsula Daily News
Two North Olympic Peninsula organizations are accepting monetary donations to help with relief efforts in Japan.
As Japan tries to help hundreds of thousands of displaced and injured people in the huge earthquake and resultant tsunami, relief groups are setting up shelters and passing out food and clothing.
The American Red Cross in Sequim and Salvation Army in Port Angeles are accepting donations designated to relief efforts.
Michelle Kelley, executive director of the North Olympic Peninsula Red Cross chapter, said that although teams were prepared to go to Japan to help, the Japanese Red Cross said money is most effective right now.
“The Japanese Red Cross is so structured and capable that they are capable of handling that part on their own,” she said.
Food and clothing aren’t being accepted right now because the fuel cost of sending is prohibitive, Kelley said.
“Primarily, donations will go to the opportunity to shelter people — it will go toward cots, blankets and food and potentially some clothing and medications for folks who need them,” Kelley said.
To donate through the Red Cross chapter, a check may be sent to P.O. Box 188, Carlsborg, WA 98324.
If donating for the Japan relief efforts, the donor should designate as such in the memo line of the check.
Donations can also be given online at www.redcross.org.
A $10 donation can be made on cell phones by texting REDCROSS to the number 90999.
Checks with a designation of “Japan” in the memo line may also be sent to the Salvation Army at 206 S. Peabody St., Port Angeles, WA 98362, said Maj. Dana Johnson.
Donations can also be made at www.salvationarmy.usawest.org.
A text donation service is set up through the Salvation Army and can be made by texting JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 on a cell phone.
ShelterBox, which has had strong support from North Olympic Peninsula Rotary Clubs, has been sending supplies to Japan.
Although ShelterBox volunteers from the United States have taken 200 boxes to the Asian nation — with 5,000 more boxes on standby — no local Rotarians have yet been summoned to help, said Sequim Sunrise Rotary Club member Rotarian Jim Pickett.
Each green ShelterBox,which costs about $1,000, contains a family tent, equipment to purify water and cook food, tools and other essentials. The contents are tailored depending on the nature and location of a disaster.
Since 2000, ShelterBox has provided tent shelter, warmth and dignity in the wake of more than 140 disasters in more than 70 nations.
To donate or for more information, contact Pickett at 360-681-4830 or e-mail at jpick@wavecable.com.
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Other North Olympic Peninsula organizations reaching out or collecting donations for Japanese relief are asked to contact the Peninsula Daily News at 360-417-3527 or e-mail news@peninsuladailynews.com.