Crowley to write to Powell

Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY) announced that he would send a letter to Secretary of State Colin Powell urging the U.S. to be the leader in the emergency aid relief effort after the devastating earthquake in South Asia.

His letter will also urge the administration to work in the region to set up a network of warning system for earthquakes in the Indian Ocean.

(Compiled from news dispatches by M. Chooki)

Edison Mayor in relief effort

Mayor George A. Spadoro joined local representatives of international relief funds and members of the Edison business community on Dec. 29 at the Press Area in Edison, NJ to announce his plans in coordinating local donations from Edison to the disaster relief efforts for the victims of the Tsunami tragedy. According to the release, the other participants were, BAPS Care International representatives; Red Cross; and representatives from Heller Industries.

Salvation Army’s Ham radio

Salvation Army has arranged for Ham radio operators for no charge to relay welfare messages to areas of disaster. The service was being offered for Long Island, New York residents who were not able to get in touch with their families and friends in India and elsewhere.

Community galvanizes itself

The tsunami tragedy in South and Southeast Asia galvanized community organizations, churches and others into hosting fundraisers, vigils and prayer services for the victims and survivors. Some of them also offered material help.

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church scheduled a service on Dec. 30 in Oakland, NJ.

Non-resident Keralites Affairs organized a condolence meeting on Jan. 2 at St. Thomas Marthoma Church at Yonkers, NY. Pramathesh Rath, Indian Consul General, and Phil Amicone, mayor of Yonkers, were among other dignitaries and community leaders present.

St. John’s Tamil Lutheran Congregation held a vigil and prayer service on Jan. 2 at the church located in Williston Park on Long Island, NY. According to the release, at their New Years Eve Holy Communion, the offertory was sent to the South Asian Disaster Response Fund.

The South Asian Networking Association (SANA), a South Asian social organization, hosted a fundraiser at NV Bar and Lounge in Manhattan, NY on Dec. 30 to raise money for the Tsunami disaster. In an effort to raise more funds, the ‘SANA 4 Tsunami Relief,’ in collaboration with the American Red Cross charged their guests a $5 entrance to the event, a fee that kept increasing every 30 minutes reaching $15 per person, the release said.

As listed on CNN Website

CNN has listed the following organizations for tsunami relief contributions to India, Doctors Without Borders ––

www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Association for India’s Development ––

www.aidindia.org

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies –– www.ifrc.org

Direct Relief International (DRI), a Santa Barbara based organization which provides medical assistance in developing countries, has joined American Jewish World service of New York to assist Indian nongovernmental organizations in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Donations to DRI may be made online at www.directrelief.org or by calling .

(Compiled from news dispatches by

Priyanka Mehra)