Japanese Community of the Lehigh Valley Raises Funds for Relief Efforts in Japan
News Release: April 25, 2011
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771


Representatives from the Japanese Community of the Lehigh Valley recently presented a check for $11,388.90 to the American Red Cross for the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief efforts.

"The support of so many people and businesses has enabled the American Red Cross to be one of the largest private, international contributors to the earthquake and tsunami response in Japan," said Regional Executive John R. Hughes, who accepted the check with Development Associate Lisa Rossi. "To date, the American Red Cross has sent more than $103 million to our partners working in Japan. As outstanding pledges from donors are fulfilled, we will make additional contributions that will support a variety of immediate relief and early recovery needs."

The Japanese Community of the Lehigh Valley, a group of about 90 Japanese men, women and children living in the Lehigh Valley, sought community support at events at the Lehigh Valley Mall, Eyer Middle School and The Promenade Shops. As a special thank you, handmade "origami" keepsakes were given to donors. Origami is the traditional Japanese art or technique of folding paper into a variety of decorative or representational forms. A single intricate origami can take up to four hours to create. It's estimated 2,000 of the paper creations were made for this fundraising effort.

Bob Hollinger, who previously lived in Japan for 16 years and now lives in Macungie, organized and led the events. "I am immensely touched by this group of caring Japanese in our community of close to 90 people who came together to help in whatever way they could," said Hollinger. "After seeing as everyone did the horrific images from Japan and the utter devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami, they all focused to do their best to help. I was proud to have been able to help them and the wonderful people from the American Red Cross, as well as Mike Woodland from Dan's Camera. It was a great and moving show of the power of the human spirit."

People who want to help can go to www.redcross.org and donate to the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami; make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999 and, when prompted, specifying their donation for Japan quake and Pacific tsunami; or send a check payable to the American Red Cross, 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem, PA 18017 and indicate Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami in the memo line.



(Pictured left to right)

First row: Misa Hollinger and Lucas Brown (holding check)

Second row: Yasuko Campbell, Noriko Stockton, Kayoko Hollinger, Rina Hollinger, Lisa Rossi, Tina Kisela

Back row: Yuko Brown, John Hughes, Bob Hollinger, Mike Woodland


The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross helped more than 76,500 people through preparedness and training, military personnel support, senior lifesaving programs and services, emergency relief and information and referral. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.