For more information, check out CNN's "Impact Your World" section.
The world is mobilizing to help victims of Friday's 8.9-magnitude earthquake that unleashed a devastating tsunami on Japan.
The U.S. State Department is urging U.S. citizens to contact friends and family as soon as possible. They can also e-mail the State Department at JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov. Those seeking information on security in or travel to Japan can call 1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444.
Google also is assisting in helping victims touch base with friends and loved ones. Its People Finder, which was tracking almost 153,000 records as of Monday morning, allows users to look for victims or post information about people. It works in five languages.
As myriad nations offer monetary aid, condolences and rescue teams, many people around the world are seeking ways to ease the burden on the Japanese government and people.
The humanitarian group World Vision is rushing personnel into the affected areas and providing food, water, medical supplies and shelter for victims.
It also plans to establish one or more “child-friendly spaces” for kids “affected by disasters to resume normal childhood activities and experience structure and security that are often lost following emergency situations."
Follow World Vision’s blog for updates, and visit its website or text “4japan” to 20222 to send a $10 donation to the group. It will show up on your next mobile phone bill.
The American Red Cross sent a disaster expert from Washington to Japan on Monday and the Japanese Red Cross has dispatched dozens of response teams. If you'd like to donate to the Red Cross efforts, text "redcross" to 90999, and you can make a $10 donation to the organization.
You can also keep up with Red Cross updates by following its Twitter feed and Facebook updates.
The Salvation Army, which has had a presence in Japan since 1895, sent a team to Sendai to assess damages and hopes to provide food, water and other necessities. In Tokyo, the Salvation Army opened its main building to house and feed commuters who were unable to reach their homes.
The aid organization is issuing updates via its blog, its Twitter feed and Facebook page. It also is accepting donations via text message. Those interested in contributing $10 to the group can text "japan" or "quake" to 80888.
AmeriCares, which is also accepting donations, said it is mobilizing resources and sending an emergency response manager to the region.
Save the Children is sending an emergency team to assist its staff in Japan. Donations to the group's Children's Emergency Fund will help preserve the welfare of young ones, who "are always the most vulnerable in a disaster," Eiichi Sadamatsu in central Tokyo said in a statement.
Globalgiving.com, another aid organization that allows donors to select the causes they want to support – including climate change, economic development, human rights and disaster relief – has established a Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. GlobalGiving will disburse funds to organizations providing aid and relief to victims.
Among those organizations are Save the Children and the International Medical Corps. The Corps, which focuses on "health care training and relief and development programs," is coordinating with local authorities and partners to determine the most pressing needs. It also is providing technical expertise and assisting with logistics.
To contribute to the Corps' efforts, visit its website or text "med" to 80888 to send the group a $10 donation.
And don't forget the "other" victims of the temblor and tsunami. The American Humane Association, which has been rescuing animals in disasters since 1916, has set up a relief fund for rescuing animals. Donations help provide shelter and care.
You can keep up with American Humane Association developments on Twitter and Facebook.
For more information, please read CNNMoney's story explaining how donors should watch the crisis unfold before sending contributions. The article also provides tips on what to give, where to give and how to avoid scams.
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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i am very willing to help in any way i can. please let me know how...
Smga d'beri k'kuatan bg saudara2 yg trkena musibah
What about the special needs population and their families... is there a specific organization that is helping those families?
When i text 90999 to make a donation, received a message saying, receiver "90999" unable to receive message-Message blocking is active...anyone had this?
Ritu, your message might not have gone thru due to message blocking. Call your wireless provider and tell them to TEMPORARILY remove the premium message block. I used to work for VerizonWireless, and this happens alot.
I am just a student that is willing to give them HELP not by donation but by prayers. MAY THE LORD HAVE MERCY
Yeah, some merciful god you have there.
I will like to go there help the people who suffer, anyone has information?
Shannelle DeWitt...
You shouldn't have listed your phone number!!! Screen your calls and do not release your personal information to anyone!!! Contact CNN to remove your phone number.
Beware what you ask for! There are tons of con artists waiting to take advantage of you! If you want to help, call your local Red Cross or the US Dept of State or your US Senator.
I believe its my choice , and i havent got any calls from anyone. all i want to do is help out this world. im not worried about me right now i am worried about others.
DO NOT LIST YOUR PHONE NUMBER ON HERE. BEWARE OF SCAM ARTISTS!
IF YOU WANT TO DONATE, GO TO http://WWW.REDCROSS.ORG – THERE IS A LINK TO DONATE ONLINE.
please,everyone that can, donate to all your favorite charitiesand volunteer if you can! dont forget to keep the faith and send our prayers along!!! forget ,
ive been watching the news from early yesterday morning as soon as it happend its very devestating if you need anything ill go over thier they need as much help as they can get at this tragic time my hearts open my email is crazydrummer 4854@gmail.com hope to hear back
I am a pilot how can i help?
I am a commercial multi intrument pilot and will donate my skills as a pilot any way I can.
Nippon will survive! They survived the A-bomb and they will survive this. Nippon will survive!!
wanting to help in search and relief have experiance in putting up tents. i work for a tent company locally
Can someone suggest how can we help other than the monetary help. I would like to go there and help out. Is it possible?
I am just a regular working 20 year old that would love to help out. Is there any information out there about volunteering to go over there to help?
Information right now about this would be good because if my company would let me help, I so would!