by Michele Catahay

Guam - The American Red Cross stands ready to help the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami that took place on Friday. For years, the American Red Cross has been lending a hand when it comes to helping families on Guam, and around the world who have become victims of disasters.

Coincidentally, Governor Eddie Calvo has proclaimed the month of March as American Red Cross Month. In an effort to help the victims from the Japan earthquake and tsunami, the local chapter is accepting monetary donations. Antonio Leal, Jr. and his wife Ruth made a donation this morning. The couple lost their daughter, her husband and two grandchildren in a fire a few years ago. They say they wanted to give back to the very organization that helped them deal with their devastating incident.

Antonio said, "They can say I'm returning back. I like to look at my situation before and now, I'm here to help every little bit to help the other people in need who need helping," with Ruth adding, "I like to help. Me and my husband. I said to my husband 'we should give a little money so we can help for this disaster.' like us before, it was very hard. That's why it's hard. Plenty of people and kids and all the people."

Local chapter of the American Red Cross Chief Executive Officer Chita Blaise says they're working closely with partners from the Japanese Red Cross. "They have expressed to the American Red Cross that they will be grateful for financial support and we are doing that. We are accepting donations for the Japan earthquake. Meanwhile, we have also deployed one expert from the national headquarters to join a seven-team member disaster relief team that will assess and conduct all the necessary functions as far as the disaster is concerned," she said.

Blaise says any monetary donation is being accepted for the relief efforts, saying, "Anyone who would like to donate will have to write their check to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and in the memo portion, indicate that it's for the Japan earthquake so that we know that the donation is designated for that disaster."

If you would like to contact the Guam Chapter of the American Red Cross, you can contact them at their offices in Hagatna at 472-6217 and 9.

KUAM meanwhile will be hosting a donation drive on KUAM-TV8 next Tuesday evening, during which you can make a pledge to help the victims in Japan. All the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross relief effort.