I haven't written anything about Japan, a country where I have spent many happy weeks and where I have many friends. I've watched the news coverage of the disaster (is that word even big enough for what continues to happen?), and I remind myself of what Fred Rogers, Mr. Rogers to so many of us, once wrote:

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.

But Japan is so far away. How can we be helpers? Here's how!

Operation Backpacks for Japan

The Girl Scouts at Camp Zama in Japan are collecting "comfort backpacks"to distribute to displaced children across the country, and YOU can help!

There are three ways to help:

Send a Backpack: buy a child's backpack. Fill it with a few goodies from the list below. Stick it in a box with a note of love and support (use simple English), and mail it to:

USA Girl Scouts - Zama

Att: April Snyder

GDS Box 62

APO AP 96337-9998

Donate Money: the church I attend is doing a giant shipment of backpacks in the next few weeks. If you would like to contribute money instead to help with the cost of materials or shipping, you can put a check in the mail to:

St. John's Lutheran Church | Att: Angela Nickerson | 1701 L Street | Sacramento, CA 95811

Write "Japan Backpacks" in the memo line. You can also contribute online -- just note that your funds are for "Japan Backpacks." We will be sure to send you a receipt, and 100% of your donation will go toward this project.

In the Sacramento area? You can drop off donations at the church, too. Check out the list below of suggested items to be included in the backpacks.

Start a Backpack Drive Yourself: the Girl Scouts at Camp Zama have all of the information you need on their website.

Get your kids involved! Get your office involved! And if you're getting involved, leave a comment below and let us know!

Here's the list of suggested items to include in the backpacks you send: