Letter from Japan

Over the past two weeks we've been working to talk with some folks who are in Japan and get a better idea of how The Salvation Army and public can assist in the relief efforts over there. Over the weekend we got a message on Facebook from a lady named Jenny. Below is what she had to say:

Hi guys,

I thought I'd email you info on what you wanted to know about.

Relief effort and items needed:

Being in Tokyo, I'm not aware of the specifics of the relief effort up north. However, local churches and charities here have been collecting warm clothes, blankets, duvets, towels etc. I donated some of these items to the Tokyo Union Church on Omotesando and when I was there, I saw that some had also donated bottled water. Thus, these items are in demand. Bottled water is near impossible to find here in Tokyo so I dread to think what it's like up north! I'm hoping it's all up north!

In Tokyo, we are saving electricity to help. Some areas of Tokyo experience 'rolling blackouts' which can be up to 4 hours at a time, even at night. I haven't experienced a blackout where I live as I'm fairly central, but energy saving in the form of turning off unnecessary lighting - in shops, on trains, in stations, escalators/elevators not being used can be seen. Tokyo is normally so bright with lights so it is quite peculiar to see it dimmer and in some areas, plain dark.

Apart from donating those things above, and poss. some supplies mentioned below, I would suggest making a donation to The Salvation Army - whether it be the Japanese one or the one in your country.

Jenny also gave us updates on food and morale in Japan. We will share those either later today or on Tuesday.

Please remember, we are having a Dough Raiser at UNO Chicago Grill on Wednesday, March 30 from 11AM to 11PM. When you mention The Salvation Army in Japan 20% of your bill will be donated to The Salvation Army's relief effort in Japan. Learn more on Facebook.