Did you know that, one month after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, there are still 154,000 people living in 2,230 evacuation centers? Many people could remain in these shelters for months to come.

United Way Worldwide is responding by mobilizing its staff, volunteer leaders and resources in the United States, Japan, and across the globe to prepare for long-term recovery efforts that will ensure a bright future for affected communities. Click here for an update.

Meanwhile, local United Ways and our partners are mobilizing resources for the long-term response effort. Here’s how you can help:

• United Way Worldwide is now accepting contributions on its website for the Community Chest of Japan, and the funds will be directed to the Community Chest of Japan through United Way’s International Donor Advised Giving (IDAG) program. Click here to donate.
• To learn more about what our partners at the American Red Cross are doing, click here.
• To learn more about The Salvation Army's current work in Japan, click here.
• If you or your organization would like to make a donation of $5,000 or more to the disaster effort, please visit United Way’s International Donor Advised Giving program by clicking here.
• Know or lead a Girl Scout troop? As long as it is a decision made by the girls, troops may donate money from their troop treasury or from their cookie proceeds. All donations from volunteers, staff, parents, and girl members will be combined and sent as a collective gift from Connecticut’s Girl Scouts to the GIrl Scouts of Japan. Checks should be made out to Girl Scouts of Connecticut and sent to Tasha Jackson, CFO, Girl Scouts of Connecticut Office, Hartford Service Center, 340 Washington St., Hartford, CT 06106. Be sure to note “Japan Relief Effort” on the check. The collective donation will be sent to Japan by April 30.
• United Way discourages unsolicited donations of goods or services, as they often have hidden costs and complications to the recipients.
• If you are trying to locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Japan, please contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizen Services at (888) 407-4747, or online by clicking here.
• For more information, read United Way of Connecticut's e-Library paper on Japan by clicking here.