Metro Detroiters looking to provide assistance to the victims of the earthquake and tsunamis in southern Asia can make donations through local organizations.

LOCAL DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS www.miindia.com MIDRF P.O. Box 871171 Canton, MI 48187 Indo American Chamber of Commerce The Southeastern Michigan Red Cross is taking financial donations online or by calling (800) HELP-NOW. Fact Sheet, National Relief Agencies To find out more about disaster relief, go to www.gospelcom.net. LOCAL VICTIMS Survivor's Family Talks To Local 4 Howell Woman Points Out Son In Tsunami Video Canton Woman Hears Of Mother's Death In Phone Call TSUNAMI Gallery: Images, Video From Tsunamis Interactives: Tsunami Map | Earthquakes

Rescue 4 Gift To Galle

Local 4 is teaming with the Salvation Army to help the town of Galle rebuild. Galle is located at the southern tip of Sri Lanka and is an ancient seaport. It was a luxury seaside resort until the Tsunami.

Call the Salvation Army with your donations at (877) 725-6424 or drop off donations:

Salvation Army
Divisional Headquarters
1613 Northland Drive
Southfield, MI 48075

Indo American Chamber

The Indo American Chamber of Commerce USA -- an organization with offices in Detroit that's dedicated to the needs and growth of Indo American businesses and professionals -- is collecting funds for victims and family members affected by the tsunami.

The organization has set up an area on its Web site with information on how to contribute.

The Michigan Indian Community has also organized a disaster relief through its Web site to help victims of the tragedy.

The Michigan India Disaster Relief Fund will be routed to the Lions Club, the Apollo Healthcare Foundation and the Rotary Club of Chennai, who each have more than 3,500 volunteers in the affected areas, according to the Michigan Indian Community Web site.

The Lions Club has sent a van throughout Chennai city to collect blankets, clothes, and vessels from the public, which will be sent to the affected coastal areas. Plastic pots have also been purchased to help victims store water.

The Apollo Healthcare Foundation was started on Monday through Apollo hospitals to provide medicine, water and other health care to the affected areas. A team of doctors is working around the clock in the Nagapattinam, Cuddalore and Pondicherry areas.

The Rotary Club was sending about 5,000 blankets and food packets to be distributed in churches, hospitals, temples and schools where most of the victims are located. The group also plans to buy fishing nets to help fishermen on the business front, to be distributed later.

To make a contribution to the Michigan India Disaster Relief Fund, make checks payable to:

MIDRF
P.O. Box 871171
Canton, MI 48187

American Red Cross Assistance

The Southeastern Michigan chapter of the American Red Cross is also providing financial assistance, relief supplies and technical assistance to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in southern Asia through the International Response Fund.

To make a donation through the Southeastern Michigan chapter, call (313) 833-2664 and select International Response Fund, or make a donation online.

Sri Lanka Medical Assocation

Harsha P. Jayatilake is urging local residents to help victims of the disaster. In a letter he writes:

"On behalf of the Sri Lanka Association of North America, we are sending an urgent appeal to our fellow members and friends for immediate assistance in the massive relief effort."

Jayatilake said financial donations are tax-deductible. Donation checks should be addressed to SLMANA and the memo section of the check should indicate "disaster relief." Checks can be mailed or dropped off in care of Jayatilake.

13361 W. Ten Mile Road
Oak Park, MI 48237
For information, call (248) 591-9049

Items are also needed, which can also be dropped off to Jayatilake at the same address. Here is a list of some of the items:

Medical supplies (antibiotics, antidarrheals, analgesics, intravenious infusions including dextrose and saline)

Tents, blankets, linens

Clothing for adults and children

Food (pre-cooked or ready to eat meal packs)

Water purification tablets (approximately 2 million tablets are needed)

Portable water purification systems

Wheat flour

Rice

Portable generators

Archdiocese of Detroit

Donations for earthquake relief are being facilitated by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and can be sent in care of:

Archidiocese of Detroit
Department of Parish Life and Services
305 Michigan Ave.
Detroit, Mich. 48226

Please indicate "Earthquake Relief" on the memo line of the check.

Updates will be provided from the Catholic News Service at www.AODonline.org.

United Way Community Services

The United Way South Asia Response Fund has been created to support long-term recovery efforts and will be administered by United Way International. Individuals and corporations interested in donating funds long-term recovery can make a contribution or mail a check or money order to:

United Way South Asia Response Fund
c/o United Way International
701 North Fairfax St.
Alexandria, Va. 22314

Keep checking back for updates on how you can help with disaster relief.