October 1, 2009

For those who are interested in assisting in the disaster relief efforts in American Samoa and Independent Samoa, here is some information. Unfortunately, the Red Cross says there is presently no clear-cut way to donate perishable and non-perishable goods or clothing. The best way to help right now is by financial donation sent to the addresses below. The information provided applies to all donations, regardless of your location.

To support the relief effort in American Samoa, make checks payable and send to:

American Red Cross-American Samoa

P.O. Box 2635

Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799

Memo: Disaster Relief

Other contact information for the American Samoa Red Cross –

Phone: (684) 699-6011

Fax: (684) 699-6013

To donate to the Independent Samoa relief effort, make checks payable and send to:

Red Cross Society-Samoa

P.O. Box 1616

Apia, Samoa

Attn: Tala Mauala

Other contact information for the Red Cross Society of Samoa –

Phone: (685) 23686

Fax: (685) 22676

E-Mail: samoaredcross@samoa.ws

If you are making a donation, please make sure you note in the Memo fields the correct info (eg. for American Samoa, "Disaster Relief;" for independent Samoa, "Attn. Tala Mauala.")

Online donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund can be made here.

Online donations to the American Red Cross International Response Fund can be made here.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our families, friends, neighbors and all those who have been affected by this disaster and the terrible tragedies that have occurred.