Local, online options to assist tsunami efforts Published March 25, 2011 SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Red Cross and other charitable organizations Service members, spouses, groups and other people interested in helping with disaster relief in Japan have a few options available to them. An abundance of information is available at www.redcross.org where information about Red Cross disaster relief efforts is available. The American Red Cross is accepting donations on behalf of the Japanese Red Cross. Also, people in the disaster area can register at www.redcross.org/safeandwell to let others know they are doing well. People interested in contributing money to organizations claiming assistance to the natural disaster should be aware several unofficial Web sites pop up during a crisis such as this to request sensitive information and take advantage of well-intentioned people. Those wanting to make donations online should be certain the organization is legitimate. For more information, call the Spangdahlem Red Cross at DSN 452-9440. Spangdahlem Post Office Charitable items, parcel objects for example, are being accepted at the Spangdahlem Post Office to be sent through the Military Postal Service to members stationed in Japan. All patrons, however, must understand only mailings for authorized APO users may be dispatched when using the Military Postal Service. Articles intended for charitable donations, however well-intentioned, are not authorized to be mailed through the postal facility. Department of Defense regulations prohibit the use of the MPS to supply these types of organizations. Sending relief supplies or mail to such organizations is still possible through other shipping means. For more information, call the postal superintendent at DSN 452-7195.