Japan Earthquake and Tsunami: Red Cross is Asking for Help

posted by Nigel Voight

The above video is first person footage of the devastation wreaked by the Japanese tsunami. After viewing the video, if you wish to contribute, the instructions below are from The American Red Cross.

[From source: Red Cross]

The Red Cross is asking for help to aid Japan. If you are in The United States, you can help by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation and support our disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. if anyone has information about how others outside of the United States can help, please leave your information in the comments section and Harlots Sauce Radio will verify the information.

Below are some of the frequently asked questions about the Text REDCROSS mobile giving program:

Does the full $10 go to the Red Cross?
Your text donation will support will support our disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. On those rare occasions when donations exceed American Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. mGive, the agency working to collect and process donations on behalf of the Red Cross, charges a $.25 fee per donation.

Will my wireless carrier charge me for text messaging to 90999?
When you text the word REDCROSS to 90999 you donate $10 to support our disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. A onetime $10 donation will be added to your phone bill. Depending on your carrier agreement, message and data rates may apply. Your $10 donation will appear on your regular monthly phone bill.

How will people know that this texting program is legitimate?
To document your donation, after you send a text message you will receive a confirmation text that asks you to reply “YES” if you intend to give a $10 donation to support the Red Cross. A thank you text will follow.

How do I get a tax receipt for this donation?
Go to www.mgive.org/receipt and enter your mobile number. A PIN number will be sent via text to your phone and you will need to enter it on the site where requested. You will then be able to see confirmation of all donations you have made via the mobile phone number that was entered. You can print a receipt for your records that can also be treated as the official donation receipt for tax purposes.

Can people outside the US give using 90999?
Only US wireless subscribers can donate this way.

How quickly does the Red Cross receive the donations after the donor text messages the number?
Under normal circumstances, the $10 donation amount is added to a donor’s phone bill and it is sent to the Red Cross at the end of the billing and payment cycle, which can take 60-90 days.

What happens after a donor opts in to receive additional news from the Red Cross?
After your donation and acknowledgment, you will then receive one more text asking you to reply with YES if you want to receive text updates from the Red Cross. You do not need to reply to this message if you do not wish to receive updates.
Will anyone other than the Red Cross have access to the donor data from the 90999 program?
Only Mobile Accord/mGive Foundation, working under an agreement with the Red Cross, and the Red Cross have access to the donor information.

How do I stop receiving future Red Cross updates via text message?
You can opt-out from receiving additional text messages from the Red Cross by texting “Stop” to 90999. If you would like to follow our relief efforts you can connect with us on Twitter, follow us on Facebook or register at Red Cross.org to receive email messages.

How can I confirm that my text donation went through?
Go to www.mgive.org/receipt and enter your mobile number. If your donation did not go through (and you have not donated to any other campaigns), you will be told that no donations were found for that mobile number and you should try again.

I tried to text in the keyword but got a message back saying that the short code has expired. What does this mean?
This message means that you have premium text messaging (anything that will cost money) blocked on your phone. You will need to call your wireless carrier to have premium SMS enabled if you want to make a donation.

Can I donate more than $10?
Most wireless carriers will allow you to donate up to $30 to a specific keyword (like REDCROSS). If you wish to donate more than $30, please visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.