In times of crisis, it is completely natural to feel feelings of helplessness and panic as we watch events unfold that are completely out of our control. For those of us not in Japan, there is little we can do in any case. Fans who have strong emotional ties to Japanese voice actors, creators and industry people feel actual panic when we do not hear that our favorites are safe and sound.

But, you know what I feel about this kind of thing – when faced with a feeling of helplessness, the most important thing is to *do something*.  There are many fan-based efforts going on for fundraising – please feel free to post the ones you want to promote in the comments. Today I want to tell you about Anime and Manga Bloggers for Japan. Started by All About Manga writer and Tokyopop Editor, Daniella Orihuela-Gruber, this effort combines the forces of all the many, many anime and manga bloggers and their readers out there into one powerful action to provide support in this time of need.

Anime and Manga Bloggers for Japan provides you two choices of rescue/relief organizations, both of whom provide relief directly where it’s needed most, ShelterBoxes and Doctors Without Borders. Daniella wants to raise $1000 each for these two organizations and she’s more than halfway on both.

If you feel the need to do *something* – do this. Send money, which will provide medical care, shelter, food, water purification, cooking stoves to people who need it. It’s something you can do and you will feel less helpless and panicky when you do *something.*

If you have a blog or a social media profile, please feel free to spread the word, as well.