Hundreds of thousands of earthquake and tsunami survivors now call shelters home. Our partnering organizations tell us that the threat of death with radiation poisoning within 12 miles of the Fukushima nuclear power plant, cold temperatures, lack of supplies and loss of loved ones and possessions are making it difficult for families to cope.
One of the strongest earthquakes on record hit off the coast of Japan at 2:46 p.m. local time (12:46 a.m. ET) on March 11th. The epicenter of the 9.0 magnitude quake was located off the shore of Japan, 231 miles from Tokyo. It produced massive tsunami waves and widespread destruction.
In an instant, thousands of children lost their parents, wives cannot locate their husbands, the elderly are without critical care, tens of thousands are now homeless, and thousands are feared dead. Their nuclear power plants have also been compromised and many fear the pending impact of radiation exposure.
Many of you have responded with financial contributions, baby supplies and personal care items. Your gift to Gleaning For The World will be used wisely and efficiently for those hurting in Japan.
Here is an update on where we stand with your donation. You may have seen in the news that the government of Japan has been very hesitant to accept any help from any organization. In fact, our partnering organizations in Japan are being told they cannot get supplies through customs.
However, we continue to make new contacts in Japan to clear our aid through customs so that our partnering groups can distribute to these families who now have nothing.
Some of these new contacts include Costco and the Wal-Mart International Corporate Headquarters. These contacts are either already in Japan or have access to move shipments through customs.
We recently received word that our partnering groups have been able to move shipments through customs. Over 20 40-foot containers filled with supplies and your donations are moving and being distributed to the tsunami victims.
Please know Gleaning For The World is doing everything we can to help these disaster victims. Your prayers and support mean so much to Gleaning For The World and the people of Japan.
Financial donations are the most effective way for individuals to help as Gleaning works to locate supplies. Click here to make your online donation to GFTW’s disaster relief fund or make your donation payable to Gleaning For The World and mail to:
Gleaning For The World | PO Box 645 | Concord, VA 24538
You can also drop off new baby supplies and personal care items (click here for supply list) at our facility:
Gleaning For The World 7539 Stage Road Concord, VA 24538 434-993-3600 (o)If you live in the Charlottesville, Virginia area, you can drop off your donations at the following location:
Advancing Native Missions 10460 Critzers Shop Road Afton, Virginia 22920 www.adnamis.org 540-456-7111 (o)