Saving the Day

What if you were a superhero?  What would your power be?  Would you fly like Shazam or be invisible like the Invisible Woman? Would you control ice like the Iceman or fire like the Human Torch?

Truth is most of us would choose something that would benefit ourselves.  Sadly, I think we would far more likely use our stretching powers to grab a soda from the fridge without leaving the couch, rather than patrol the city looking to capture Captain Bedbug.

Still there is a chance to be a hero, to make a difference in the world.  As you know Japan has suffered a terrible earthquake and subsequent tsunami.  On Friday the numbers of victims numbered in the dozens, then hundreds.  By Saturday the numbers were counted in the thousands and as I write this on Sunday evening, the victims have been projected to be in the tens of thousands.  Without power, without heat, without fresh drinking water and without hope.  We can change that.  We can make a difference.

Below are the links and numbers of some international relief agencies.  If you can't donate money, please see if you can donate time or blankets.

Your super power can be caring for your fellow human beings.

To Help Online

American Red Cross
Apple iTunes
International Medical Corps' Emergency Response Fund
The Salvation Army
GlobalGiving's Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund

To Help From Your Phone

Donations to the American Red Cross can be made from your phone by texting "REDCROSS" to 90999 for $10.  The donation will be included as part of your cellular phone bill.

By Mail

Check donations for The Salvation Army's Japan efforts must be marked "Japan earthquake relief" and sent to:
The Salvation Army
P.O. Box 1959
Atlanta, GA
30301-0959

Mountain of Compassion

"Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man will not himself find peace.” -Albert Schweitzer.

So many of you have helped my dear friend TrekJen and the gratitude ripples throughout the Twitterverse! For those who may not know, Jen's house burned down on February 7th. If you do know Jen, you're aware that she's funny, a little quirky, very insightful, loyal and willing to do anything to make you laugh. She's one of those people that can make your day with just a few words or a funny picture. In an era full of cynics and bad news on every newspaper, Jen is a unique reminder that good people still exist in the world.

After the fire, Jen is now in the process of rebuilding her life. Not just building or adding on, but rebuilding. That's harder than many (including myself) can imagine. Jen's a trooper and has met the challenge head on but she needs help, as we all do at some point in our lives. Take a moment and think of what you would do with $5 or $10 dollars; a cup of coffee or a movie rental? Then think about if you had no DVD player or place to drink the coffee. That same $5 or $10 could help Jen buy a shirt, soap, toothpaste. Basic necessities that we often take for granted, until they're unavailable.

I know we've all made cutbacks in a tough economy and I wouldn't ask for more than you can give but if you are in a position to donate, there's a link below to help with TrekJen's Fire Relief Fund. (A a huge thank you to StarFleetMom for starting this!) If you can't donate, I totally understand but would greatly appreciate your forwarding the information to this and any other TrekJen Fire Relief blog. Post it to your twitter accounts, Facebook, MySpace, personal blogs or wherever you communicate.

One of my "Grimisms" is you don't have to move a mountain to save one. Jen is a mountain very much worth saving.

Thank you for taking the time to read.