South Asia Earthquake Relief: Frequently Asked Questions

Revised October 12, 2005

What can I do to help?

Thank you for your interest and concern for the survivors of the earthquake. JDC is accepting monetary donations by check and credit card. Credit card donations can be made via our Website at www.jdc.org, or by phone at 212-687-6200.

Checks can be made out to "JDC-South Asia Earthquake Relief." Please mail your contribution to JDC- South Asia Earthquake Relief, Box 321, 847A Second Avenue, NY, NY 10017.

How much of my donation will actually go toward this relief?
All of the funds received are used for South Asia Earthquake disaster activities.

Are donations going to help only Jews, or will they aid the entire population?
Funds are used strictly on a non sectarian basis, and assist those in greatest need.

How will you use my donation? What will you be doing?
We are currently coordinating with organizations in the affected areas and are awaiting results from our assessment team. Once we receive these assessments, and we know how much money we’re able to raise, we will identify partners and activities that assist people that other organizations are not reaching. You can follow our progress by viewing our website at www.jdc.org.

Is JDC collecting donations of food, water, clothing, or other items?
JDC is accepting only monetary donations, as we do not have the funds or facilities to store and ship items, nor can we guarantee that items can be distributed given the devastation to roads and other infrastructure. We feel that it is important to buy products locally, as well, as this helps stimulate the local economy at a time of great need. The Center for International Disaster Information provides information on donating in-kind goods. Their website is www.cidi.org, and their telephone number is 703-276-1914.

Can I donate in honor of someone else?
Yes, you can donate in honor of someone else. You will receive an acknowledgment, and the person being honored will be notified that a generous gift has been made in their honor.

For questions about the Website or problems with the donation page:
Please call 212-687-6200 and ask for Jason.

To donate stock/securities:
Please call 212-687-6200 if you are interested in donating stock or securities, and ask for Howard.

For corporate matching fund donations:
Our employer ID number is 13-1656634.

Can I volunteer to help?
Unfortunately, we cannot place volunteers overseas, as the situation is so chaotic. The Center for International Disaster Information also has a website on which potential volunteers can register. It is http://www.cidi.org/datain.htm.

Has JDC carried out non-sectarian disaster relief activities before?
Since its inception, JDC has implemented disaster responses in countries around the world. Over the last decade, JDC responded on behalf of the North American Jewish public to crises in Southeast Asia, Haiti/Dominican Republic, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, India, El Salvador, Mozambique, Venezuela, Kosovo, Central America, and Rwanda. Reports are available on www.jdc.org