The hearts and minds of the United Way movement around the world are with the people of Japan. With communications disrupted by the disaster, United Way Worldwide was finally successful on Saturday in connecting with Central Community Chest of Japan. They are safe, but they have not been able to contact all of the local Community Chests in disaster-stricken areas. Central Community Chest of Japan is convening local Community Chests to create one central fund and are collaborating with government, local businesses and other NGOs to coordinate response on the ground.
As soon as there is solid information about the central fund, United Way Worldwide will provide that information to the United Way network. The Community Chest of Korea has already committed $500,000.
Here are the ways United Way is helping now, and how you can help through United Way:
· Until there is an electronic link to the local disaster fund, individuals or organizations wanting to make donations to disaster efforts of greater than $5,000 can donate to United Way’s International Donor Advised Giving (IDAG) program – http://worldwide.unitedway.org/IDAG
· As there are hidden costs and complications associated with contributions of goods or services, we discourage unsolicited product donations.
· Those trying to locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Japan are directed to contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizen Services toll free from within the U.S. at +1.888.407.4747, from outside the U.S. at +1.202.647.5225 or on their website – http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html
United Way will update information as it becomes available. For the latest updates, please check United Way's website at liveunited.org.
