The Most Immediate and Efficient Way To Help Survivors in China and Myanmar (Burma)

Monday May 12, 2008 was a day of destruction and devastation in Southeast China. They were hit with a 7.9 magnitude earthquake. The latest death toll estimates are as high as 50,000 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24642170/). Thousands more are homeless and stranded in remote mountain villages.


You can donate to many charities and rescue organizations to help the victims of this earthquake. The best place to donate (and by "best", I mean what percentage of your donation actually helps those you donate to) is through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The people who run this organization are paid by the Church, not from percentages of donations, so 100% of your donation goes to those who need help. The Church Humanitarian Services are usually the first to arrive with supplies to disaster areas in the world. We were one of the first to arrive with fresh water and food in Myanmar and China. Visit http://www.lds.org/ldsfoundation to donate online, right now. This is the easiest way to give immediate help to those suffering in China and Myanmar. Not only have they lost all their material possessions and homes, but many have lost their families. Weather has also hindered rescue efforts, and the death toll in Myanmar is now estimated at 78, 000 (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080516/ap_on_re_as/myanmar).

I can't imagine a huge earthquake or cyclone in California, killing over 25,000 people. It breaks my heart to see the destruction and homeless casualties of these natural disasters.

If you have the resources, help any way you can. Give up a night out to dinner, or a new pair of shoes. They need our help more than you or I need to eat out, or complete an outfit.

I have an aunt and a cousin from China, so I take a special interest in what happens over there. I have watched many news clips and read many articles on the earthquake. I hope that if you read this blog, it isn't the first time you are reading about the earthquake.

If you have the time, go to MSNBC.com and watch this video on the earthquake and survivors in China.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24650541#24650541