On March 11, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and ensuing tsunami devastated the Japanese coast, leaving in their wake a death toll of about 9,700 people and a missing persons count of about 16,500, with figures that continue to rise. The disaster caused damage to buildings and factories as well as worries about nuclear radiation.

As part of a worldwide effort to help Japan, numerous organizations on campus have banded together to raise money for the victims of the natural disaster.

Junior Kim Tsai, treasurer of the school’s Red Cross Club, helped coordinate a fundraising event on March 17.

Tsai and other officers placed envelopes in which donations could be placed in each teacher’s box to pass around their third-period classes.

“100 percent of what you donate will go to helping people in Japan,” Tsai said. “It’s not one of those things where you pay for a muffin and maybe 50 cents of that will go to Japan. Whatever you put in will help someone.”

One of the difficulties Tsai said her club faced was a lack of coordination with teachers.

“Many teachers did not pick up envelopes from their boxes even though we had them in there since Tuesday afternoon,” Tsai said. “So that was very frustrating. Still, I’m just glad we were able to make the donations possible.”

The school’s Red Cross Club raised over $715 during the fundraiser event.

Other clubs at Saratoga also raised funds or donated items for Japan. Tzu Chi Club and the overall Tzu Chi Organization has been providing hot meals to survivors, and Interact is sponsoring Shelterbox, an organization providing essential items for all the victims of the earthquake and tsunami.

To donate to Japan through Red Cross, visit the website at www.redcross.org, or talk to one of the clubs’ officers.