FUCK YEAH AWESOME COSPLAY

“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” -Albert Pine.

Alright, here’s some tips to donating and helping Japan.

• Avoid Newly-Formed Charities and Give To An Established Charity That Has Worked In Japan - It’s all about trust, and I would rather put my money with someone I trust than someone I’ve just met, thank you very much.
• Designate Your Investment - Specify that you want your money going specifically to the relief funds in Japan. This way it won’t get filtered out to anything else the charity may be helping with. Not that helping out other projects is a bad thing.
• Do Not Send Supplies – In the middle of all the confusion it’s unlikely that your supplies will make it to wherever they’re addressed. Donating to a charity or relief fund will allow those in charge of said fund to buy supplies for, and subsequently give them directly to, the people who are in need of them.
• Be Careful Of Email Solicitations - Unfortunately, there are dicks out there trying to take advantage of you. Be wary.
• Seek Out The Charity’s Authorized Website – Scammers have been known to set up bogus web sites that claim to be the official donation sites of major organizations. Make sure the site you have is the official/authorized/guaranteed/whatever site of the organization you are trying to donate to.
• Think before you text - Texting to donate is a great option, but first make sure the number you’re texting to is the right one. Also, keep in mind that it can take up to 90 days before the organization receives texted donation funds.
• Consider The Nature Of The Charity’s Work – Not all charities respond the same way- some provide medical assistance, some provide shelter, some provide food and water, etc. Consider what you want to give to those affected, and see what charities are offering that.
• Keep an Eye on your Dollars - If you want to feel smug and accomplished, make sure to keep watch on your charity, and see the good your dollar has done.

POPULAR CHARITIES:

• The American Red Cross

(Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10)

• Save the Children

(Text JAPAN to 20222 to donate)

• Salvation Army

(Text QUAKE to 80888 to donate $10)

• International Medical Corps

(Text MED to 80888 to donate $10)

• Global Giving

(Text JAPAN to 50555 to donate $10)

• Doctors Without Borders