If you’re someone like myself that wants to help Japan but is hesitant to donate towards an organization such as the red cross, I found three organizations that will set your mind at ease about where your money really is being applied.
Yoshi Domoto, executive director of the Japan-America Society of Georgia, said his group has done research to find organizations in Japan that they will help directly, including the Nippon Foundation, Japan Platform and the government of the Miyagi prefecture, the area that was hardest hit by the disaster.
There has been a continuous push from Atlantans and others around the world to offer help, he said, because of the many connections Japan has created in the world community.
“No matter where you are, there is a feeling of wanting to help, to support the relief effort,” he said.
But Japan has been slow to accept help. “The people in Japan historically have been resilient,” said Domoto. “They are proud; unless they need it, they hesitate to ask for help from the outside.”
Domoto said his organization, which has 750 members, including individuals and organizations, has raised $20,000 so far and is continuing to sponsor fund-raising events.
If you don’t have any money to donate, a letter of support would probably be just as appreciated. If you want to send a letter of support, send your letters to: (Each bullet point is the order to how you address your letter on the envelope.
- Letter of support for Miyagi prefecture
- 3-8-1, Honcho, Aoba-ku,
- Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8570
- JAPAN
The address above is for the Miyagi prefecture government. Sending positive letters can make a difference. How would you feel if you received one during a traumatic experience?