UC Irvine supports Japanese relief efforts

As the already perilous conditions surrounding Japan’s nuclear crisis intensify, the UC Irvine community expresses its sympathy and support for the people of Japan as well as our own students, faculty and staff with family connections in Sendai, Tokyo and beyond. We may be separated by more than 5,000 miles of ocean, but we share an address on the Ring of Fire. Our hearts go out to Japanese citizens as they search for missing loved ones, cope with the evolving situation at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, and begin the long process of rebuilding.

In addition to sending our prayers and best wishes, we have the opportunity to provide direct support to the citizens of Japan by sending cash donations to the many international, national, local and campus organizations and individuals mobilizing to provide relief to those affected by the continuing disaster. Here are some options.

On campus:

Origami crane sale
To show support for our Japanese friends and relatives and for surrounding countries, Tomo no Kai “Association of Friends” will sell origami cranes March 23 through April 8 for $1 each. The organization hopes to make more than 1,000 cranes to send our wishes of safety and quick recovery, as well as financial support to the people of Japan and those affected by the earthquake and tsunami. This event is open to all clubs.
Tomo No Kai’s Wish for Safety and Quick Recovery

American Red Cross collection sites
In support of relief efforts in Japan, Parking & Transportation Services has teamed with the Center for Service in Action to collect donations from the UCI community. Donations will be sent to the American Red Cross which provides first aid, emotional support and relief items to those displaced. Stop by an information kiosk to make your contribution today. Cash donations also may be dropped off at the Center for Service in Action, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 301 G Student Center.
Parking & Transportation Services

University Extension
University Extension’s International Programs has contributed greatly to the cause. A donation table is available just beyond the University Extension Archway. The team has raised more than $800.
University Extension

Off campus:

Below is information from various organizations’ websites. For tips on giving to charities, see www.charitynavigator.org.

Save the Children: Emergency Relief for Japan Quake
Donations to its Children’s Emergency Fund will help support outreach efforts.

UNICEF: Disaster in Japan
The world’s leading organization for children has extensive experience helping children who have survived trauma related to natural and man-made crises.

International Medical Corps
A team in Japan is assessing post disaster conditions and prepping critical supplies for delivery, focusing efforts on communities that have not yet been reached.

The American Red Cross: Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief
Donations will support Red Cross relief efforts throughout the Pacific.

The Salvation Army: Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief
Teams in Japan are distributing basic necessities to survivors and assessing damage to determine next steps.

Doctors Without Borders
Staff is working in evacuation centers and starting clinics.

Global Giving: The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund
This project disburses funds to organizations such as International Medical Corps and Save the Children that are providing relief and emergency services to victims.

World Vision: Japan Quake and Tsunami Relief
This organization is focusing its efforts on responding to the emotional needs of children suffering from trauma in Japan.

Japan Society of Northern California: Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund
Donations will go to organizations in Japan supporting the relief and recovery efforts being identified by the society’s partners at Give2Asia.

Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California: Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund
All donations will go directly towards citizen relief efforts in the most affected areas.