Japan Disaster Relief

30 Jul Japan Disaster Relief

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to share a letter I recently received after speaking with a local resident.  Her name is Corinne Thygeson and she is seeking help in her efforts to support disaster relief for the people of Japan.  Please take a moment to read her follow-up letter below and contact Corinne directly if you can help in any way.
Thank You!
-Lori
May 19, 2011

Dear Lori-

Thanks for taking the time to talk with me about the work I am doing to assist those in need in Japan.  As we discussed, I am a Little Silver resident who recently moved back from Japan.  The natural disasters have caused the children and me to come home earlier then expected; however, my husband continues to work there.

I decided to support the country and those devastated by the earthquake and have connected with Hands on Tokyo, a non-profit that I volunteered for while living in Japan.   The organization is working with a group of volunteers to address the needs of the shelters in the Fukushima area.  Each month they e-mail me a new list of needs.   I have already  reached out to the community and collected toothbrushes, toothpaste and hand/bath towels for those in shelters.  This month we are collecting socks (male, female, youth) and children’s toothbrushes and toothpaste.  Earlier this week, I received a donation of toothbrushes and toothpaste from one of your members, LS Family Pharmacy.

You asked me to outline specifically how businesses can help with our initiative.  Here are a few ways:

• Businesses can contribute on a tax deferred basis to shipping:  Besides supply donations, we are also  looking for help with the cost of shipping.  A friend in the airline industry is able to provide us with a 75% discount on shipping.  If individuals or businesses are interested in donating to shipping, the Junior League has graciously agreed to accept checks and so donations will be tax deductible.
• Businesses can also simply sponsor a box: The boxes are full of supplies and ready to be mailed.  If a business is interested in helping,  I can drop off the box and it can be mailed through US mail at a cost of approximately $75.00.
• Businesses can house a bin:  Right now collection bins are located at the Little Silver Public Library and outside of Little SIlver homes. If a business is willing and feels that it makes sense, I can drop off a bin to be used to collect items.

If a business is able to help, I will include their name in promotional materials for the program.

I thank you in advance for your consideration and please contact me with any questions at 383-5017 or thygeson@comcast.net.

Best Regards,

Corinne Thygeson