Home > The Salvation Army National Talking Points Japan Earthquake

For the latest updates on The Salvation Army’s response to this disaster, please visit http://blog.salvationarmyusa.org/

The Salvation Army is mobilizing personnel and resources in response to the devastating 9.0 earthquake in northeastern Japan.
·        The disaster has affected a 2,000 kilometer north-south stretch of Japan. Official reports now state that more than 10,000 people are dead or missing.
·        The Salvation Army in Japan has three emergency service relief teams operating in impacted areas.
·        One of the teams is assisting people who have been evacuated nuclear power station zones.
·        Arrangements are being made for emergency service personnel from The Salvation Army International Headquarters (IHQ) to go to Japan to assist with the Army's relief effort.

The Salvation Army has had a presence in Japan since 1895 and its personnel are now working to assist people in need.
·        In Tokyo, the Army opened its main building to help shelter commuters who were unable to reach home on Friday. They served hot drinks and packed meals.
·        Road and rail systems have been severely affected and there is a shortage of petrol; it took a Salvation Army assessment team traveling from Tokyo to Sendai 20 hours to reach the city – a journey that typically takes around 6 hours.

The Salvation Army is calling on everyone to pray for the survivors and victims of the Japan earthquake.
·        Monetary donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel are mobilized
·        These funds offer the greatest flexibility and enable local disaster responders to purchase exactly what is needed as close to the disaster zone as possible.
·        There are four ways people can contribute money to The Salvation Army's disaster relief efforts in Japan:

o        Text the words “JAPAN” or “QUAKE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation.

o        By phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY

o        On-line at:  https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org

o        By mail: Send your check, marked “Japan Disaster Fund” to
                The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division
               PO Box 742
               700 North Bell Avenue
               Carnegie, PA 15106

·        At this time, The Salvation Army is not accepting donations of goods or household items (gifts-in-kind) from the general public for disaster relief operations in Japan.  
·        The Salvation Army is extremely grateful for the generosity that has already poured in to help us meet both immediate and long-term needs.
·        Donation Update (3/14/2011)
o        Text-to-Give: $69,000
o        Online: $911,000
TOTAL: $980,000

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 to 90 cents of every dollar spent is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.