As most of you are aware, this past Friday, Japan suffered a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and its trailing tsunami, one of the world’s worst natural disasters ever recorded. With the death toll having reached over 2,100 and still climbing, and around 450,000 people living in shelters, you are probably asking yourself, “How can I, someone who lives in the middle of nowhere, Pennsylvania, possibly help?” Well, here’s a list of events occurring throughout the week (and beyond) here at Penn State, at which you can donate money and offer your own service:

• Today from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., FIJI (at the corner of N. Burrowes St. and Pollock Rd.) will be grilling burgers and hot dogs on their front lawn and selling them for $1.00 each. Let me say that again: hot dogs and burgers for $1.00. All proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross.

• The Penn State Red Cross Club has reserved a table in the HUB first floor in order to collect money and donations. The table will be available today to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. You can also sign up to help work the table. For more information, go here.

• On Friday, the Penn State Songwriter’s Club will be hosting the “Help Japan” benefit show. The cost of the show will be $5.00 (pay at the door), and will feature some local artists including the rap collective, Atlas Soundtrack. The show will be located at La Casa Blanca, on 221 E. Park Ave.

• The University Office of Global Programs (UOGP) has teamed up with the student Japanese Friendship Club in order to collect donations at the HUB, as well as at the International Coffee Hour (Global Programs Lounge, 410 Boucke) scheduled for Thursday, April 24 at 3:30 p.m. The coalition intends to create other events, and when the details are finalized, you can find out on the UOGP web site and in the weekly news letter, “The Global Lion,” both found here.

• The UOGP is also offering logistical and sometimes limited financial aid to Japanese exchange students here at Penn State. They can help students get in touch with their families, assist with travel and visa arrangements if they need to go home, and ensure that they maintain their student status if they plan to return. A limited International Student Distress Fund if financial help is needed. Contributions to the International Student Distress Fund would be most welcome, and can be sent to University Office of Global Programs, 410 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802, to the attention of Sherry Miller.
• Local resident Laura Smith (who has been hosting a Japanese student at her house) will be collecting much-needed supplies to send back with the Japanese student when she returns home this Thursday. Donated supplies will make their way to some of the remote villages that were hit hard in the north area of Japan. Ideal donations include water purifying items; any light-weight, non perishable food items (such as tun or chicken in envelopes, as cans are too heavy); dried fruits or nuts; rice; Gatorade or Crystal Light packets; and lightweight solar blankets. Additional supplies are also welcomed. All items must be dropped off at Ms. Smith’s house no later than this Wednesday night, March 16. Her address is 1396 N. Foxpointe Dr., State College Pa, 16803 and she can be reached via phone (814-327-6728) or email ([email protected])

Do you know of any other events occurring in help of the relief of Japan? Let us know.