Japan Hit with 8.9 Earthquake

It's Friday. I'm trying to get excited for the weekend but it's hard to do with crises happening all around the world. Natural disasters, unrest, rising oil prices (which directly affects my upcoming SXSW trip) it's almost too hard to try and keep up with all the catastrophe lately. Just think, at the same time people wait in line for the iPad2 thousands of other people are losing their homes while hundreds more lose their lives. My heart goes out to Japan, my first home. Keep your friends and family close and feel blessed if you have your health and home. We should live our lives instead of living in fear, but never forget what is important.

Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 automatically to your phone bill, or click the jump to find out more ways to help/donate:

AMERICAN RED CROSS: Emergency Operation Centers are opened in the affected areas and staffed by the chapters. This disaster is on a scale larger than the Japanese Red Cross can typically manage. Donations to the American Red Cross can be allocated for the International Disaster Relief Fund, which then deploys to the region to help. Donate here.

GLOBALGIVING: Established a fund to disburse donations to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Donate here.

SAVE THE CHILDREN: Mobilizing to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter. Donate here.

SALVATION ARMY: The Salvation Army has been in Japan since 1895 and is currently providing emergency assistance to those in need. Donate here.

AMERICARES: Emergency team is on full alert, mobilizing resources and dispatching an emergency response manager to the region. Donate here.

CONVOY OF HOPE: Disaster Response team established connection with in-country partners who have been impacted by the damage and are identifying the needs and areas where Convoy of Hope may be of the greatest assistance. Donate here.

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS: Putting together relief teams, as well as supplies, and are in contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities. Donate here.

SHELTER BOX: The first team is mobilizing to head to Japan and begin the response effort. Donate here.

Tips on Donating: http://www.charitynavigator.org/