Japan: How you can help

As horrific events continue to unfold in Japan, many Americans are watching the news closely and wondering what they can do to help. Here are some suggestions on ways to donate and support the relief effort.

If you know of other ways that Bostonians can help, please leave a comment below.

MAKE A DONATION*

Japan Society Earthquake Relief Fund

Save the Children. Text JAPAN to 20222 to donate $10, charged to your cell-phone bill.

The American Red Cross. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

The Salvation Army. Text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to donate $10.

International Medical Corps. Text MED to 80888 to donate $10.

The Boston Red Sox will be collecting donations during their spring training games at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, FL. Fans can donate from home by visiting redsoxfoundation.org.

Sign up for a year membership at Boston Sports Club by Mar. 28, and they'll donate your $25 registration fee to the Red Cross. For a list of clubs in the Boston area, check out mysportsclubs.com.

*Time Out North America does not endorse any particular organization. Our goal is to share information about aid organizations that are directing relief toward the situation in Japan. If you are unsure about an organization’s viability, you can check charitynavigator.org.

EVENTS*

Mar. 22 + Mar. 26 – Boston Rocks for Japan

BostonBandCrush.org, Great Scott and TT the Bear's Place join forces for two nights of local music to benefit the American Red Cross and its efforts to help earthquake victims in Japan. This first show at Great Scott features performances from MMOSS, Moniker, Butterknife, Ad Frank, DJ Chris Ewen and MC Michael S. The Saturday afternoon show at TT's features full band and acoustic performances on the venue's main and side stages from Muck and the Mires, This Blue Heaven, The Daily Pravda, Keith Pierce & Friends, Leesa & Travis of Naked on Roller Skates, Davina Yannetty and Dirty Bombs with more to be announced.

Mar. 25 – Shop for Japan Relief Day at Black Ink

The local purveyors of knick knacks and other quirky curiosities will donate 20% of all sales on Mar. 25 to the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, who will in turn send 100% of money collected to the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.

Through Apr. 1 – Support Japan with a MET Tokyo Burger

The MET Restaurant Group (Met Back Bay, The Met Bar, The Metropolitan Club, The Met Burger Bar) will donate all proceeds from purchases of its Tokyo Burger—a  combination of avocado, Muenster cheese, pickled red onions, daikon sprouts and sticky soy atop the MET’s classic American burger—to the American Red Cross.

Apr. 2 – A Night of Music and Art for Japan at Think Tank

Think Tank resident DJ K.C. Hallett and special guest DJ Saucy Lady spin while artist Barrington Edwards paints along. Items to be raffled include two Adidas track suits with matching sneakers (one for men, one for women) and gift certificates to Think Tank and JP hat emporium Salmagundi. All proceeds from the door and raffle will go to charitable organizations focused on earthquake relief in Japan.

Apr. 2 – BOS Bakesale for Japan at Ula Cafe
Samin Nosrat is taking her know-how about charity bakesales to a nation level. Last year she raised $23,000 for Haiti at her San Francisco sale, and now the Bakesale for Japan is a national event happening in 20 cities across the country. Last year, she raised $23K in the SF Bay area with the Bakesale for Haiti, and this year it'll be happening simultaneously in over 20 locations across the US. Professional and amateur bakers, cooks, artists, artisans and musicians will gather to turn their talents into cold hard cash to be donated to Peace Winds Japan, which specializes in disaster preparedness and response in the Asia Pacific.

Apr. 3 – “Let’s Help, Answering the Call!” at Oishii
Oishii’s Chef Ting Yen has enlisted the help of fellow Boston chefs Anthony Caturano (Prezza), Dante de Magistris (Restaurant dante & Il Casale), Evan Deluty (Stella), Luis Morales (Radius), Kang San (Oishii Too Sushi Bar) and Jeff Nace (Neptune Oyster). Each chef will set up a station in the restaurant, providing guests with an opportunity to chat face-to-face while sampling some incredible food and cocktails.  100% of the proceeds will benefit the Japan Red Cross Society.

Date TBA – The Middle East and Sonicbids’ benefit for Japan
Sonicbids is teaming up with the Middle East to help earthquake victims in Japan. Artists vying to perform in one of the three reserved slots can submit their music through sonicbids.com for $5, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross and their efforts in Japan. Additionally, 100% of the $10 cover to the event will be donated as well.


*Submit your benefit to be listed by sending an email to events@timeoutboston.com with JAPAN in the subject line.