Using virtual technology to aid Japan

The devastating tragedy in Japan has left many of us searching for different ways we could help the distressed country during its time of need. Humanitarian and relief teams are travelling to Japan to aid the country first-hand, but for those of us who can’t travel, new technologies make it possible for us to help Japan to our best efforts from home.

Here are a few simple and easy ways you can help the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami.

Text to Donate

The American Red Cross launched a texting campaign to collect donations and raise funds for the organization’s humanitarian efforts in Japan. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

The Salvation Army is also collecting donations via text messages. Text JAPAN or Quake to 80888 to make a $10 donation.

Facebook Games

Popular Facebook games, such as FarmVille, CityVille, and FrontierVille, are selling digital crops to raise funds for the affected children in Japan. Buying radishes in FarmVille, sweet potatoes in CityVille, or kobe cows in FrontierVille will all help raise funds for Save the Children, one of the many organizations devoted to helping the children in Japan. All proceeds will go to Save the Children’s relief efforts.

Donate Online

Lastly, you can make direct donations online through a non-profit’s website. Here are just a few organizations collecting online donations:

• American Red Cross
• Convoy of Hope
• Medical Teams International
• Mercy Corps
• Shelter Box

Michelle Moore is an intern at Mom Central.

Mom Central