Although the 8.9-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Japan March 11 was half a world away from us here in Shelby County, so many who make their home here were affected.

Britney Hope, who for a few devastating moments didn’t know where her husband, stationed in Japan, was or if he was OK, was certainly affected. So was University of Montevallo graduate Melvin Milton, who faced the task of assuring other students at Hawaii Pacific University that everything would be fine, despite the possibility of a tsunami headed their way, caused by the earthquake.

Because of Hope and Milton, and because of the countless other Shelby County residents whose lives were affected in great and small ways by the disaster, we urge our readers to consider donating to earthquake and tsunami relief funds.

One of the easiest ways to do so is visit Redcross.org and donate on the website. You can choose to send your donation wherever you like.

Consider also speaking with your church officials or local charitable organizations. You’ll likely find you can make monetary donations, collect clothes, food or other supplies, or perhaps even sign up for a mission trip to help areas affected by the earthquake.

Last, but not least, continue to lift up your prayers and thoughts for the victims of this natural disaster. With such a varied population in Shelby County, any large-scale natural disaster in the world will personally affect people here in Shelby County. Your neighbors will appreciate a few moments of time spent thinking of them.

The We Say is the opinion of the Shelby County Reporter editorial board.