Delaware’s effort to help Japanese sister-state

The state has launched a website for residents looking to help Delaware’s sister-state, Miyagi Prefecture. 

Miyagi was one of the hardest hit areas in last week’s earthquake and tsunami.  As the exact impact of the disaster is still being evaluated, the death toll in Miyagi is among the highest in the nation, with nearly 3,900 residents confirmed dead.

In response to the tragedy in an area with close ties to the First State, state officials have set up a website for Delawareans to make donations that will be used to meet the needs of those in Miyagi.  Governor Markell says, “I”m very proud of the outpouring of support that we’ve heard from Delawareans.  This shows that Delaware really is a state of neighbors, even when our neighbors are a world away.”

The state is collecting funds through the website delaware.gov/HelpMiyagi.  The fundraising effort is being done through a cooperative effort with the Delaware Community Foundation.  Donations to the Delaware Fund for Miyagi, Japan are tax deductible.

Officials with the Delaware Department of State have been in touch with their counterparts in Miyagi since the earthquake hit last week.  Those officials in Japan are still assessing the impact of the disaster, and will determine exactly what supplies or things are needed soon.  

Delaware established its partnership with Miyagi in 1997 under Governor Tom Carper.  Click here for more on Delaware’s relationship with Miyagi.