A recent AP article we found in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution demonstrates the growing value of text and social media generated donations for crisis relief around the globe. While these donations do have limitations (“text donations are typically capped at $10”) the Red Cross reports that “more than 3 million contributors used text messages to donate $32 million to relief efforts following the Port-Au-Prince quake”.
An earlier AFP article also highlights the efforts of large technology companies like Microsoft, Google, Twitter, and Facebook to facilitate donations online. It is truly inspiring to see so many come together to help during this tragedy.
Donating to Japan Relief Effort Via Text
To donate to Japan relief efforts via text please text “Japan” or “Quake” to 80888 for the Salvation Army or text “RedCross” to 90999 to donate to the Red Cross disaster response fund.
Donating Via Social Media
If you want to donate to quake relief efforts through social media please visit some of these links referenced in the AFP article:
- Donating via twitter (Japanese and English) – blog.twitter.jp/2011/03/blog-post_12.html
- Donating to the Red Cross on Facebook: http://www.causes.com/campaigns/154523
- Google’s Crisis Response page visit: www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html
- Google’s person finder tool, visit: http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/
Donating Locally
If you live in the DC area or will be visiting for the Cherry Blossom Festival, the festival has announced plans to donate to the American Red Cross Japan earthquake relief efforts during the festival.
Know of more ways to donate to Japan online? Please add links to our comments section.