The footage from the earthquake and tsunami that ravaged Japan, is unreal and the devastation left in its wake is heartbreaking. So many people displaced so many homes destroyed, lives lost. And so quickly. Picking up the pieces will be an monstrous undertaking and every little bit helps.

How can you help the victims of the earthquake in Japan? You can donate directly to the relief efforts through these reputable organizations:

The American Red Cross

Direct Relief

UNICEF

World Vision

Doctors Without Borders

ShelterBox by JustGiving – donations will provide ‘ShelterBoxes’ with items needed to provide shelter, warmth and dignity to the families made homeless by the crisis

To give direct to ShelterBox, go here.

GlobalGiving’s Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund that will be given to a variety of relief organizations helping victims of the earthquake.

K.I.D.S. – “Kids In Distressed Situations,” a great organization that helps more than 4 million children and families each year

In addition to making direct donations, many companies, artists and designers have committed to donating portions of their profits to the relief efforts in Japan where your purchase contributes to the recovery:

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Green Depot – 15% of all profits from online sales and in-store sales will be donated to Word Vision, a non-profit organization aiding the Japan relief efforts.

Who: Lucky Sprout; Seattle, WA

What: Lucky Sprout Organic T-Shirts

Where: Lucky Sprout Shop; $26 in red, brown or natural

Why: What can we say, we are just dig these kids tees with their spunky little characters enthusiastically touting their “seeds of change” summed up on the back with the frankness of a child.

Each t-shirt is made of 100% organic cotton with low-impact dyes and water based dyes. (fyi: the blank T-shirts are produced by Edun-Live in Africa, hence why, when ordering you will note the UK sizes).

And with each t-shirt purchased $1 is donated to a corresponding non-profits: Purchase a Wind Catcher tee and $1 will be donated to the  African Leadership Academy; a Peace tee supports Caroline for Kibera;   a Water tee supports Project Wet; and a Happiness tee supports the Smile Train.

Or just being reminded that the biggest challenges can be overcome by taking the smallest of steps.