As a follow-up to today’s HCRSourceBook post…

HELP JAPAN! K.I.D.S. is coordinating immediate relief efforts following the devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake and 23-foot tsunami that swept the northern part of Japan.  K.I.D.S. is asking retailers and manufacturers to provide donations of desperately needed new products, and for the public to provide monetary support to the long-term relief effort, by visiting www.KIDSdonations.org or calling 212.279.5493.

In the hours following the record-breaking quake that set off tsunami warnings as far away as California and South America, K.I.D.S. alerted both its corporate and private donors with a call for support. Urgently needed new items such as blankets, undergarments and apparel are being collected and K.I.D.S. is working with its not-for-profit partners to ensure that shipments quickly reach affected children and families.

Through the K.I.D.S. 10-to-1 system of matching donations, the organization is donating $10 worth of new product for every $1 raised. Donations of $5, which provides $50 of new merchandise to child in need, may be made by texting the word ALLKIDS to 85944. Visit www.KIDSdonations.org for more information.

-Janet Muniz