How to help earthquake victims

So far, the death toll has reached 15, with 100 people still missing. At least 1,000 people have lost everything. If you'd like to help, here are a few ways you can do so.

1. The Costa Rica Red Cross is accepting donations of non-perishable food, bottled water, boxed and powdered milk, and personal care items (soap, toilet paper, etc.). You can drop off these items at any Red Cross within Costa Rica. They are asking at this time that you not donate clothing. They also have two accounts at Banco Nacional for monetary donations: 100100-7 (colones) and #68666-7 (dollars). You can read more on their site here.
2. Tents, sleeping bags, warm clothes for both children and adults, and blankets may be dropped off at the Hotel San Gildar in Escazu the tent next to Teletica Channel 7 in Pavas and the Casa Presidencial in Zapote.
3. When I was in Automercado in Escazu this afternoon, the Escazu Rotary Club (2289-8843) was taking donations of items like those above. Generally, stores like Automercado and PriceSmart have donation boxes set up right in the store so that you can purchase a few things and drop them off there, which is what I did.
4. Help the animals! Christine Bork over at Pets y Mas magazine is coordinating the collection of pet food, blankets, monetary donations, etc. for animals that have survived the earthquake. They are also looking for foster homes (that may become permanent homes if you are interested!). You can drop off your donations at the Mucho Gusto/Pets y Mas offices next to Boliche Dent in San Pedro. Please give Christine a call at Mucho Gusto at 2283-0446 for more info (she speaks English, Spanish, and German).
   
5. Another way to donate money from within Costa Rica is just by using your cell phone. Send a text message "APOYO" (SUPPORT in English) to the following numbers: 1423 for 1,000 colones, 2423 for 2,000 colones, 5423 for 5,000 colones, and 9423 for 9,000 colones. More info from La Nacion here.
   
6. From the Tico Times:

San José-based Transportes International Gash, said it was urgently seeking diapers, water, milk and non-perishable food items. They can be reached at 2232-0695.

Thank you for helping out.

Updated Jan. 13, 2008, to include info on helping animal earthquake victims and to remove San Gildar as a drop-off point, as they are no longer accepting donations there.