The major earthquake and tsunami which struck the Tohoku region of north eastern Japan on March 11 has left thousands homeless and without food and clean drinking water. In response to this crisis, JCCCW has partnered with other Seattle based Japanese and Japanese American community organizations and non-profits to raise awareness and money for the relief and recovery effort in Japan. Together we have launched a website, SeattleJapanRelief.com, to direct the incredible generosity of our community to organizations involved in supporting the people of Tohoku. We know that many in our community want to help but may not know what to do or how to make the most impactful contribution. By donating at SeattleJapanRelief.com you can be sure that your gift will directly support those most affected by this disaster. If you are interested in contributing to the relief effort in Japan, please visit SeattleJapanRelief.com and make a donation to one of the following non profit organizations today. Checks made out to either Peace Winds America or the American Red Cross can also be mailed to or dropped of at the JCCCW front office (511 16th Ave S.).

Peace Winds America: Peace Winds America is a Seattle disaster preparedness and response organization 501(c)(3), that focuses on reducing the devastating impact of natural disasters in the Asia Pacific. PWA brings together governments, militaries, NGOs, and the private sector to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, with the Japan ? U.S. relationship as the cornerstone of humanitarian assistance in the Asia Pacific region. A partner of Mercy Corps, Peace Winds America is pledging that 100% of donated funds collected at SeattleJapanRelief.com will go directly toward disaster relief and recovery in Tohoku.

American Red Cross: Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters.

JCCCW is proud to stand with the rest of our community in support of the victims of this disaster. Please donate today.

Seattle Sounders FC to Collect Donations for Earthquake and Tsunami Relief, March 15

The Seattle Sounders FC will partner with the American Red Cross and non-profit organizations from across the Seattle area Japanese American community to collect financial donations for the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami this Tuesday, March 15 at Qwest Field prior to the first kick of the Sounders FC versus LA Galaxy. Volunteers from Japanese American community groups including Japan-America Society of the State of Washington, Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington, Hyogo Business and Cultural Center, Seattle Nisei Veterans Committee, and Japanese Community Service of Seattle and the American Red Cross will be collecting donations at various gates, along Occidental Avenue and throughout the stadium. JCCCW salutes Seattle Sounders FC for their commitment to supporting disaster relief efforts to help those effected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.

Seattle Betsuin Earthquake and Tsunami Memorial Service, March 18

Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Church will be conducting a First Seventh Day Memorial Service for those who perished in the March 11th earthquake and tsunami in Japan. From 4-6:00pm on Friday, March 18th, the public is invited to ring the large temple bell (bonsho) in memory of the victims. In rural Japan, the temple bell is repeatedly rung as a tsunami warning. The temple sanctuary (hondo) will also be open for those who would like to pray or offer incense. From 6-6:30pm, the public is invited to attend the First Seventh Day Memorial Service in the sanctuary. The Seventh Day Memorial expresses our spiritual oneness with the deceased in the boundless wisdom and compassion of the Buddha. Subsequent seven day memorial services will be held at 5:30pm each Friday for seven weeks. This is the traditional Japanese mourning period. The temple is also collecting donations which will be combined with donations from all Buddhist Churches of America temples to be sent to relief agencies in Japan. The temple is located at 1427 So. Main St. Seattle 98144. For further information please visit their website at http://www.seattlebetsuin.org/ or at (206) 329-0800.

Community Gathering at Kobe Bell, March 19

Everyone please leave your calenders open for a community gathering at the Kobe Bell inside Seattle Center from 11 am - 1 pm on March 19.

There will be short remarks from several community leaders and elected officials, prayers for those who are struggling as a result of this crisis and for those whose loved ones have perished or are still missing, and a chance for participants to ring the Kobe Bell in honor of our Japanese friends and families. There will be an information table where people can make donations to the relief effort, as well as stations where people can write messages to people in Japan that will be digitally captured and sent to devastated areas.

The Kobe Bell is a gift from Seattle's sister city of Kobe, Japan, given in 1962 at the time of the World's Fair. The Kobe Bell has been a gathering place for Seattleites to remember the Kobe earthquake disaster of 1995.

Parking

The Kobe Bell is just south of Intiman Theatre and the closest parking lot is the Mercer Street Parking Garage. http://www.seattlecenter.com/transportation/me rcer.asp.








We appreciate the response and crucial support for JCCCW. We are here to serve the needs of our community. Want to get involved? We need and welcome your participation! Contact us at (206) 568-7114 or by email at admin@jcccw.org.