Devastating Jolt in Japan : How to Help

A number of local organizations have set up funds and/or donation centers to help victims of the Japanese earthquake. A partial list follows:

* The American Red Cross is accepting money for the Japanese Relief Fund. Send checks to 2700 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif. 90057, or charge donations by calling (800) 842-2200.

* The Salvation Army is accepting donations earmarked for Japan Earthquake Relief. Mail contributions to 900 W. 9th St., Los Angeles, Calif. 90015, or call (800) 725-9005.

* The California Community Foundation has established the Osaka/Kobe Earthquake Recovery Fund. Send checks to 606 S. Olive St., Suite 2400, Los Angeles, Calif. 90014-1526. For more information, call (213) 413-4042.

* The Japan America Society of Southern California has set up a Kobe Relief Fund. Send checks to 505 S. Flower St., Level C, Los Angeles, Calif. 90071, or call (213) 627-6217, Ext. 11.

* World Vision is accepting checks for Japan Earthquake Relief, P.O. Box 1131, Pasadena, Calif. 91131, or call (800) 423-4200.

* Operation USA, Japan Relief, (800) 678-7255. Send checks to 8320 Melrose Ave., Suite 200, Los Angeles, Calif. 90069. Credit card donations also accepted.

* Japanese Village Plaza in Little Tokyo is accepting canned food, clothing, blankets and medication at 335 E. 2nd St., Suite 223, Los Angeles, Calif. 90012. For information call (213) 620-8861.

WHERE TO GET INFORMATION

* For information about Japanese relatives and friends, contact the Japanese Consulate at (213) 617-6700. The consulate cannot track down missing Japanese citizens but has an up-to-date list of fatalities. Phones will be answered 24 hours a day in English and Japanese. The list of victims is also posted in the consulate at 350 S. Grand Ave., Suite 1700, Los Angeles, Calif. 90071.

* The U.S. State Department is handling inquiries about American citizens in Japan. For information, call the State Department’s Emergency Services office in Washington, D.C., at (202) 647-7310 or (202) 647-7311.

* Local American Red Cross chapters are accepting inquiries from Southern Californians trying to get in touch with Japanese relatives in Kobe. Inquiries will be accepted only for parents, siblings, spouses and children with whom the inquirer has been in contact during the last year. Call (213) 739-5274 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Source: Times staff