Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is responding to needs from the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan and the ensuing tsunamis across the Pacific rim.

PC(USA) has mission partners in Japan. World Mission has received positive reports on the welfare of mission coworkers.

PDA staff and National Response Team members are contacting potentially affected presbyteries to offer assistance.

One Great Hour of Sharing funds have been sent to support an initial response through our ecumenical partner. We are meeting with a PC(USA) mission worker with experience in Asia to determine a response with our mission partners.

Denominational leaders have issued a Call to Prayer for those impacted by the earthquake and tsunami.

If you would like to contribute in a tangible way, consider Gift of the Heart kits. These kits are an excellent "hands on" project for youth groups and other groups that want a tangible way to be involved. Hygiene kits are in high demand right now. These kits include:

1 - hand towel (approximately 16" x 28", no fingertip or bath towels)
1 - washcloth
1 - wide-tooth comb (remove from package)
1 - nail clipper (no metal files or emery boards; remove from package)
1 - bar of soap (bath size in wrapper)
1 - toothbrush (in original packaging)
6 - Band-Aids® or other adhesive bandage strips

Please do not add toothpaste to the Hygiene Kit. Toothpaste which has an extended expiration date will be added to Hygiene Kit shipments just prior to shipment. Seal all items in a one-gallon plastic bag with a zipper closure.

The Kits can be sent to the Presbytery office and combined with other kits to be sent to PDA, or you can send them yourself. Information about mailing packages can be found at http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/pda/making-gift-heart-kits/#hygiene

If you would like to contribute money to the relief efforts, write a check to the Presbytery of Yukon and mail it to 616 W. 10th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501. The funds will be forwarded to PDA. Be sure to include the identifier: DR000117.
Or you can send a donation directly PDA through: https://gamc.pcusa.org/give/make-a-gift/DR000117/