As we watch the images of devastation coming out of Japan, our hearts go out to all of those touched by last night's earthquake and tsunami there. Our thoughts are with the people of Japan and all those who have family, friends, or colleagues in Japan. For updates and information from the University, visit http://news.uchicago.edu/page/japan-earthquake-response.

In terms of local and national organizations, the WBEZ website is keeping a list.

• Locally, the Japanese American Service Committee is collecting donations for the American Red Cross's Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Fund. They are only accepting donations via mail, as far as I can tell.
  
• The Japanese America Society of Chicago has a fund set up. They will be working with the Japanese Consulate in Chicago to get the funds to Japan. They are taking donations online.
• There are at least two local faith-based groups that have set up relief funds: the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago.