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Japanese Americans Reaching Out to Relatives
(IRN)-Japanese American organizations in Illinois are springing into action after watching events unfold half a world away in their home country. A massive earthquake struck northern Japan this morning, with the death toll in the hundreds and climbing.

Mishie Baba, activity director at the Japan America Organization of Chicago, says he's asking the group's more than 900 members to donate what they can to help out. He says the center is mainly seeking monetary donations, because that's likely what the government can handle.

"We'll work with some government organizations, which is a better way to do it, also through medical organizations," says Baba.

Baba has spent much of the day contacting people for donations, but he's also spent much of the day worrying about his friends and family back home.

"Fortunately, all my family and my daughter is okay," he explains. "But still, I cannot find a few of my friends who are living in the Northern part. So that continues, and I'm working to find out about all these friends."

U.S. Representative Aaron Schock (R-Peoria) also weighed in on the disaster. He says the large U.S. Military presence abroad will likely help with cleanup and recovery, once the government ends mini-disasters such as fires in the streets and widespread power outages.

He's also keeping a watchful eye on the west coast, where remnants of the tsunami could wash ashore.

(Source: Illinois Radio Network)
03 11 11 by Newsroom
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