Supporting Japan

For weeks we've been gripped by the coverage of Japan's magnitude-9.0 earthquake. But for 56 Japanese students attending Southeast Missouri State University, the devastation has been even more troubling.

Soon after the quake hit, several Japanese students on the Southeast campus approached Lyman Pitman, director of the Missouri Office of the Japan-America Academic Center, seeking ways in which they could help. Knowing that going back home was not a practical option, the students decided to host a fundraising drive for victims of the tragedy.

The group, under the slogan "Pray for Japan: We Need Your Help," set up on the third floor of the University Center at Southeast a few hours each day for several days. All the funds raised were to go to the Red Cross relief fund for Japan.

The fundraising students have done an admirable thing, and the people of Japan have shown tremendous strength throughout this ordeal. However, due to the quake's devastation many people are still in a desperate situation and need our support.

If you haven't done so already, consider supporting one of the many reputable disaster relief organizations. And thank you to the students who organized the fundraising drive on campus as well as all those who gave.