Donate to Help Those Affected in Japan

 Local groups are doing what they can to help as Japan continues to deal with the effects of a devastating earthquake and tsunami and works to avert a nuclear crisis.

Pittsburgh Catholic Bishop David Zubik has called for a special collection at St. James and other parishes throughout the diocese to assist “those who are suffering” from the disaster in Japan.

 “The magnitude of this disaster, first of all in human lives and secondly in material damages, is completely unfathomable," Bishop Zubik said in a March 15 letter announcing the collection to all parishes.

The collection will be taken up at weekend March 26 and 27. Proceeds will be sent to Catholic Relief Services, an international humanitarian agency that is already working with local church organizations in Japan to meet the overwhelming needs.

Bishop Zubik also asked the 209 parishes to pray for those who have died, the bereaved, the suffering and all those coming to their aid.

At  in Sewickley, the boutique has started a clothing drive and is working with Fashion Delivers, a charitable foundation, to supply clothing and home goods to Japan’s affected areas.

Through May 28, Spoiled Chics at 350 Beaver St. will be collecting the following smaller-size clothing items for both men and women: underwear, socks, T-shirts, sweaters, activewear, jeans, pants and coats of any kind. There is also a need for sheets, towels and blankets.

With every new product donation, Spoiled Chics will give 15 percent off any new regular priced item. For more information call 412-741-0977.

At  Sewickley,  Richard Curtis, director, said donations are also being taken to help provide relief to Japan. World Vision, an international humanitarian organization, also has teams helping in the disaster area, as the nonprofit works to help raise money through their networks.

"Before the earthquake our World Vision Japan had about 75 employees on
staff.  There has been, and will continue to be, a large influx of World
Vision International employees trained in humanitarian disaster response," Curtis said. 

Since the destructive 9.0-earthquake and tsunami, World Vision relief distribution operations have reached the city of Tome and Minami Sanriku, one of the hardest-hit coastal towns in the country.

Because there is no infrastructure set up yet to handle aid shipments beyond cash, Curtis said monetary donations are the quickest, most effective way to help in Japan.

Click here to donate, or learn more at worldvision.org.

Other charities accepting donations:

• The American Red Cross
• Save the Children 
• Doctors Without Borders