A number of people have asked recently how they can help, and what they can do. It can be frustrating to be so close and yet so far from a crisis, and believe me–a large part of me wants to grab a shovel, some supplies, and just GO. But we’re not trained, our Japanese isn’t perfect, and we don’t want to be a strain on an already stressed situation, so we’re holding off for now.

Opening up one’s wallet is good, and important, but in some ways just feels like sending money off into the void. One thing that you can do is ensure that you’re donating in the most efficient way possible–directly to Japanese companies is a good start. To that end, I’m participating in “Blog 4 Japan”, brought to my attention by the lovely Haiku Girl.

Todd’s Wanderings has compiled a great list of Japan-based organizations that you can support from wherever you are. Even if you can’t donate yourself, donating your time by upping the signal (retweet, repost, etc.) is a start.

It’s common to feel helpless & overwhelmed when disasters like this strike, but this is at least one small thing that you can do to help! Check it out, donate if you can, and spread the word!

Finally, I’m just putting this out here to gauge interest, but if we DO have a chance to volunteer at one of the affected areas, would people be interested in donating to something like that? It would primarily be for supplies to bring up there, and I feel like it might give all of you amazing readers a way to connect with this tragedy in a meaningful, productive way.