The death toll from this terrible tsunami is approaching 65,000. Predictions of the dead may reach 100,000. And, perhaps 100,000 more may die from infection, disease and malnutrition. At least one-third of the dead are children. There are still hundreds of families frantically searching for children who have likely been swallowed by the sea.

Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Burma and several other Asian nations have been hardest hit. On Sumatra Island in Indonesia, near the epicenter of the earthquake, more than 25,000 have already died and now there is a desperate need for food, clean water, and shelter for millions of homeless people. Many of our Nassau County residents have family and friends in those battered countries. We are already working with our Asian & Pacific American Committee and the County's Office of Minority Affairs to coordinate relief information and aid.

Today we are providing a list of organizations that are accepting donations which will go directly to those in need:

American Red Cross
1-800-HELPNOW

Catholic Relief Services
1-800-HELPCRS

Consulate General of Indonesia
5 E. 68th St.
New York, NY 10021
(212) 879-0600

Consulate General of Pakistan
12 East, 65th Street
New York NY 10021
(212) 472-4339

At this time, donations of food, clothing, blankets and water are not needed. Right now, the expense of shipping these items to the affected areas is far too costly. I have spoken with Bishop Murphy's office and this Sunday, Catholic Churches in the Diocese of Rockville Centre will be taking up a special collection at all masses.

We will be working with the county's Youth Board to help Nassau's school children collect donations to aid the victims next week when schools are back in session and we will also enlist the assistance of hundreds of our county employees who have already asked to help.