As the death toll rises in southeast Asia from the tsunamis, organizations such as the American Red Cross are working to help those people affected.

Today, the death toll was nearing 100,000. "That number is going to grow significantly as they get more into the areas," said Larry Peppel, executive director of the local Red Cross chapter.

But the Red Cross can't do it alone. Local residents can help with the effort through donating money.

Anyone wanting to donate can give through the local chapter or the national organization, said Peppel. Donations should be made out to the American Red Cross International Response Fund. Call 800-HELP-NOW or, in Spanish, 800-257-7575. Contributions to the fund also may be sent to P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution at www.redcross.org

Peppel said, so far, the local Red Cross had a couple of inquiries but no significant donations yet. He said he thinks people are waiting to see how big the story gets before they give.

The American Red Cross is not able to accept small, individual donations or collections of items for emergency relief purposes. The decision to transport bulk donations from the United States is based solely on the needs identified by the relief operation and the availability of local resources. Any bulk offers should be referred to the 800-7INKIND hotline.

Inquiries concerning U.S. citizens should be referred to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 888-407-4747.

Peppel said, "There is an opportunity for local people to support the effort." [[In-content Ad]]