Friday, March 18, 2011 at 08:29PM
Fabian Lewkowicz in Santa Monica Red Cross
American Red Cross of Santa Monica volunteer Dana Johnson collects donations during the "Drive Through" Japan earthquake/tsunami fundraiser on Fri, March 18, 2011.
The American Red Cross is working with the Japanese Red Cross (JRC) to insure donations and services make a positive impact on those lives affected by this disaster. The Japanese Red Cross is a highly experienced disaster relief organization with 2-million volunteers. JRC volunteers in Japan are distributing relief items, making sure displaced people are offered hot meals, clearing debris and providing medical transportation. The Japanese Red Cross has also deployed 95 medical teams, made up of more than 700 people, including doctors and nurses.
The American Red Cross and Japanese Red Cross are members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The American Red Cross assisted the Japanese Red Cross during the Kobe earthquake in 1995, and it, in turn, supported the American Red Cross after September 11 and Hurricane Katrina.
In addition to the "drive through," the donors can text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Personal checks should be made out to American Red Cross “Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami.” Checks can be mailed or checks or cash can be dropped by the chapter at 1450 11th Street, Santa Monica 90401 anytime during regular business hours.
The American Red Cross of Santa Monica is a publicly supported, 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation that provides health and safety education, youth services, CPR and first aid training, disaster awareness and disaster relief efforts. For additional information or to inquire about other programs or assistance call 310-394-3773 or go online at www.redcrossofsantamonica.org.