Donate to Relief Efforts in Japan with a Text Message

Anyone with a cell phone can send a text message to quickly and easily donate money to organizations helping the victims of last week's earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Last Friday, an 8.9/9.0 magnitude earthquake happened in the Pacific Ocean near northeastern Japan. Thousands have been killed, and many more are without food and shelter in freezing temperatures. 

To donate $10 to the relief efforts of the American Red Cross, text REDCROSS to 90999.

To donate the same amount to the Salvation Army, text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888. Respond "YES" to the follow-up reply.

For customers who pay monthly bills, the $10 donations will appear in their next statement. For customers using prepaid services, the donations will be taken from customers' prepaid balance.

In addition, Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint are waiving the cost of any phone calls made to Japan for the next several weeks.

Alternate Methods
Of course, text messages are just one way to send money to aid organizations.

Google has created a webpage to allow people to donate directly to the Japanese Red Cross.

Donations can also be sent to the Salvation Army's website or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.