In their own quiet way, Indians are doing their bit to help the people affected by tsunamis that hit south India.

While individuals are coming forward with donations and offers to volunteer, non-governmental organisations are using such offers to cobble together a workable relief operation.

• Where to send relief material for Tamil Nadu

The Indian Red Cross Society is already assisting the respective state governments with relief work. In addition to financial donations, its Mumbai chapter is accepting relief material, which can be sent to:

Indian Red Cross Society,
141, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road,
Town Hall Compound,
Mumbai 400 001
Tel 022-22662524/3956
Contact person: Maya (98200 83856)
Cheques may be made in the name of: Bombay City Red Cross Operation Tsunami [Images].

• Tsunami relief: Small change, big hearts

NGOs Goonj and Akanksha, which have around 41 collection centres across Mumbai. They are collecting:

1. Medicines � anti-diarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, paracetamols, antibiotics, disinfectants 
2. Stationery/Educational aid: notebooks, pencils, pens etc
3. Dry rations: cooking oil
4. Building material: plastic sheet
5. Household items: utensils, stove & batteries

Please ensure the donations are packed well, sorted and labelled.

Send them an email if you would like to volunteer (shaheen@vsnl.com)

They need financial support - for communication, collection camps, storage, sorting, packing, travel, transportation and local distribution. Cheques can be made out in the name of GOONJ and sent to:
Akanksha Foundation,
Voltas [Get Quote] House C,
T B Kadam Marg,
Chinchpokli,
Mumbai - 400033.

You can call and find out the centre closest to you. Contact person: Jessy at 9323811175 or email: jessymoses.goonj@rediffmail.com.

The Akanksha Foundation: 022-23700253 & 022-23729880 or admin@akanksha.org

• How you can help tsunami victims

Indian Airlines has offered to carry all relief material free of cost. Contact its regional directors at the following telephone numbers:
Northern Region, Delhi -- 25672800
Eastern Region, Kolkata -- 22116953
Western Region, Mumbai -- 26156788
Southern Region, Chennai -- 22561070

Also See:
How to help people of A&N
Where to get information on Tamil Nadu