Giving to help in Japan -- not all groups are reputable and able to assist NOW (C.S. Monitor story)

from the Christian Science Monitor coverage:

Those seeking to assist the Japanese should "wait and see" which charities are most effective and donate only to those groups with experience in the region and a direct connection to relief efforts there, he says.

Here is a list of some reputable charities offering on-the-ground assistance in Japan:
CARE will be delivering relief items (such as toilet paper, water, and food) to victims in the areas hardest hit by the earthquake and tsunami. To support CARE, call 1-800-521-CARE or donate online at care.org.
International Medical Corps has sent an emergency response team that is currently offering health-care services in Japan. To donate, go to the Corps' website (internationalmedicalcorps.org) or call 1-800-481-4462.
The Japanese Red Cross will be clearing debris, assisting with nuclear decontamination, and feeding those in need. You can donate to these projects via the American Red Cross by giving online at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. To give a $10 gift through your cell phone, text "RedCross" to 90999.
To find more organizations like these, refer to interaction.org, which offers an extensive list of humanitarian groups operating in Japan. If you'd like to know more about an aid organization, you can look it up online at Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org). Also find a list of active charities at CSMonitor.com/japanhelp.

www.csmonitor.com/world/asia-pacific/