San Marino Community Organizations Raise Funds for Japan

News of the devastating has tugged on the heartstrings of millions across the world. When the tsunami and earthquake first struck, Patch shared . Since then, more details have come out about two local San Marino organizations doing their part to support the Japan relief efforts.

Rotary District 5300--which includes Alhambra, San Marino and Monterey Park, among other cities--is providing long-term relief donations to Rotary International’s Japan and Pacific Islands Disaster Relief Recovery Fund.

“We have a very simple plan to encourage the members of Rotary District 5300 to reach deep into their hearts and deep into their pockets to help Japan in this triple-threat catastrophe,” said Roy York, a past district governor for District 5300.

York stresses one doesn’t have to be a rotary member to donate to the Rotary International recovery fund.

“100 percent of the money donated will go to Japan,” said York. “Right now, many organizations are helping with the immediate needs in Japan. We are trying to help the country in the long term.”

In addition to the Rotary’s own relief fund, the district has also approved a list of qualified charitable organizations providing relief to Japan on their website. Approved organizations include Doctors Without Borders, Lions Club International and OXFAM USA.

The Rotary has set a goal of raising $150,000 for Japan relief. Japan is one of the Rotary’s biggest contributors to the Foundation, donating $500,000 for relief efforts in the United States.

“We will continue to fund-raise until we feel a need for it to stop,” said York.

The San Marino Police Officer’s Association, meanwhile, is holding a fundraiser for Japan relief on Friday, May 6, at 5 p.m.

San Marino Police Officers will donate their time to work as waiters and waitresses at , , and on the 2100 block of Huntington Drive. Proceeds from restaurant sales will go towards the American Red Cross.

The fundraiser will not be limited to restaurants--three San Marino Courtyard shops will also participate. , and will donate a portion of their sales on May 6 to the cause. 

"We all like to participate in things like these," said Katie Bolton, owner of San Marino Stationers. Her shop will extend its hours and donate 10 percent of its sales to the relief fund.

“We’d like everybody to come out and contribute to the cause,” said Lieutenant Steve Johnson. “This is something the Police Officer’s Association decided to do on their own time.” 

Those interested in donating to the Rotary Foundation can make checks payable to The Rotary Foundation (note on your check that the contribution should be used for the Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands Disaster Recovery Fund, #G10005).