JDC has raised over $16 million to date for its disaster response. Assessment teams have visited India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, and another JDC team is in Indonesia. JDC has already allocated $4 million for emergency relief and assistance activities in the four countries.

In India, JDC is working with the Disaster Mitigation Institute, building temporary shelters made of wood beams, corrugated metal and thatched roofs in 10 locations benefiting up to 1,200 families. Initial small grants will help revive livelihoods of 1,200 families, and local professionals will help up to 300 youth who wish to start new occupations in higher-value sectors such as marketing, trade, and the service industry. Additionally, a partnership with Caritas/Catholic Relief has provided food to 750 families in Vypen Island, Kerala, and kitchen utensils to another 500 families. Food was also provided to 1,500 families over a three-month period in Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, and to 2,500 families in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Among other efforts, 500 children have received school kits – backpacks, notebooks, crayons, and other supplies – that have enabled them to return to their studies. JDC is also partnering with Vardhman Sanskar Dham in Cuddlaore, Tamil Nadu, to rebuild 67 shelters.

In Sri Lanka, JDC is working with the renowned local organization, Sarvodaya, in the most severely affected areas of the country's east coast. Some 47,000 individuals will benefit, many among them children, women and elderly. JDC has provided school bags, workbooks, writing instruments, shoes and socks to 200 students. And through a cash-for-work program, local residents are sewing school uniforms for the children. This partnership with Sarvodaya has recently been extended to Galle, at Sri Lanka's southern tip, reaching another 2,000 kids. The psychosocial needs of individuals – and entire communities – are being addressed by Sarvodaya with JDC assistance. One project already underway provides mine education for children living in dangerous zones. Training and support is helping to reestablish the livelihoods of victims in Ampara, Kalmunai, and Batticaloa.

JDC is working with its long-time partner, the International Rescue Committee, in the hard-hit Aceh Province of Indonesia. The primary focus is on the identification and protection of separated and/or vulnerable children. Specific activities to respond to the psychosocial needs of children, families, and communities are being set up. JDC has also identified local partners through which urgently needed supplies such as mattresses and bed sets will be distributed to individuals and hospitals, and water containers will be provided to 40,000 people still requiring emergency relief.

In Thailand, JDC is partnering with Chabad to bring medical help, meals, and clothing to survivors. Further, in collaboration with the local NGO, Population and Community Development Association (PDA), and the Israeli Embassy in Thailand, JDC is helping to support ten week-long "healing camps," where 500 children from the south of the country will participate in recreational and educational activities. JDC will also join with PDA to rehabilitate the village of Ban Pat in Phang Nga Province through the provision of scholarships, meals, clothes and supplies; restoration of income-generating activities in the community; reestablishment of water, sanitation and waste management services; and facilitation of village residents' involvement in the rebuilding process.

A portion of funds raised by JDC will be retained for intermediate-term rehabilitation, such as rebuilding schools, clinics, and/or orphanages. This work will begin as soon as the situation on the ground allows.

JDC is also overseeing the 38-member Jewish Coalition for Asia Tsunami Relief allowing North American Jewish organizations to coordinate efforts and maximize donor dollars.

For JDC's historical role, please click here:
JDC Non-Sectarian Programs: 90 Years of Strengthening the World
JDC's Disaster Responses over the past two decades

HOW TO DONATE

Contributions can be made by credit card via JDC's website: https://www.jdc.org/donation/jdc_form.cfm,

via phone: 212-687-6200, or by check payable to:

"JDC: South Asia Tsunami Relief"

Box 321

847A Second Avenue

New York, NY 10017

JDC serves as the overseas arm of the North American Jewish community providing relief, promoting Jewish renewal, rebuilding Jewish communities in 60 countries around the world, helping Israel address its most urgent social challenges and supporting non-sectarian relief efforts. JDC's programs are supported primarily by contributions to the annual campaigns of the Jewish Community Federations throughout North America in partnership with United Jewish Communities (UJC).