What you can do to help...

I have been receiving messages from people in the mainland U.S. who want to donate money and/or supplies to American Samoa. Unfortunately, that level of organization is just beginning. Thankfully, there are many local efforts in place. Schools, churches, radio stations and banks are holding drives to collect clothing, food, water, money. Samoans are very communal people and victims are being taken in by other family and friends. People are truly helping each other.

I asked one woman today who lost her house and entire possessions what she needed and her response was, "oh, nothing. we're fine." Seriously, this woman and her family need everything. They have no beds, no clothing except for what they were wearing at the time of the tsunami, no food, no drinking water... nothing, she has nothing. Yet, she asks for nothing because the other people in her family and village are taking care of her.

8 National Park staff and their families lost their homes in the tsunami. The Hawaii Natural History Association has set up a fund for people to donate. Currently, the way to do that is to mail checks (write "NPSA employee disaster relief fund" on your check) to:

Hawaii Natural History Association
attn: Margo
Hawaii National Park
P.O. Box 74
Hawaii 96718

I will post on the blog as soon as I know where people can donate to the larger relief efforts, outside of helping the National Park families. I know a number of you want to donate by way of sending money or care packages directly to American Samoa, but I don't think that is currently a feasible option. In the meantime, you could make a donation to the Red Cross through their website to support their relief effort here and elsewhere.

The first group of U.S. Red Cross workers are arriving today. We are hopeful they will help coordinate individual efforts on the island. Many people working in the trenches are frustrated by the lack of coordination at this point. I, personally, am frustrated by feelings of not being able to help enough. Emma and I are organizing all of our clothing to donate rather than the moving sale we had planned on. Tomorrow, my wonderful friend is supporting the efforts by watching my kids and I am going to go help the National Park crews clean up in the villages. I feel some good physical labor will help me.