The Salvation Army is initiating recovery efforts in Japan while still assessing the damage. The Army has 2 hospitals, 12 social service stations and more than 20 institutions serving children, seniors, the addicted, and other at-risk population established in Japan and has been there since 1895.
Japan’s Territorial Commander, Commissioner Makoto Yoshida writes from Tokyo,
“The most damaged city is Sendai which is about 400 km away from Tokyo. Still our building here swayed tremendously. It was hard for us to keep standing. Many of us were really frightened. We are sending a team to Sendai tonight and start tomorrow providing the basic necessities as well as assessing the level of damages and what we can do from now on. Even in Tokyo the whole public transports stopped and many commuters could not go home. We opened our hall on the ground floor of our territorial headquarters building to those who could not go home. We were able to serve them with hot drinks and packed meals. Thank you for your interest and prayers.”
Currently, those interested in aiding the relief effort are encouraged to give financial donations, which offer great flexibility and enable local disaster responders to purchase exactly what is needed as close to the disaster zone as possible.
There are four ways people can contribute money to The Salvation Army’s ‘Japan Earthquake / Tsunamis’ disaster relief efforts:
– Text the words “Japan” or “Quake” to 80888 to make a $10 donation.
– By phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY — designate gift for ‘Japan Earthquake / Tsunamis’
– On-line at: www.salvationarmy.usawest.org <http://www.salvationarmy.usawest.org/> — designate gift for ‘Japan Earthquake / Tsunamis’
– By mail: Send your check, marked ‘Japan Earthquake / Tsunamis’ to
The Salvation Army World Service Office
International Relief Fund
PO Box 630728
Baltimore, MD 21263-0728
Salvation Army units up and down the U.S. Pacific Coast and in the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands are on standby and ready to help.
At this time, The Salvation Army is not accepting in-kind donations from the general public for disaster relief operations in Japan.
IN-KIND DONATIONS
Keep in mind it will be extremely difficult and expensive to ship in-kind donations overseas from the United States to Japan. It is more efficient for disaster relief agencies to purchase needed resources locally and for immediate distribution with the disaster area. The best way for U.S. donors to help Japanese disaster survivors is to make a cash donation. Please note that your local The Salvation Army continues to accept donations of used clothing, furniture and other items to support local programming. Please consider donating your used items to your local Salvation Army Thrift Store.
BACKGROUND ON SALVATION ARMY IN JAPAN
Since 1895, The Salvation Army has provided emotional, spiritual, and physical care to individuals and families in need throughout Japan. Currently, 81 active officers and 1,068 employees operate 57 community and worship centers called Corps, 12 small social service stations (outposts), 2 hospitals, and more than 20 institutions serving children, seniors, the addicted, and other at-risk populations.
VOLUNTEERS
Due to the Army’s extensive presence, it is unlikely that volunteers from the United States will be needed for initial recovery operations. As the recovery effort grows, there may be a need for volunteers.