For many years, NAAAP has given generously to worthy causes to benefit the Asian American community. But there are times when the human cause is greater than our mission where we must rise to the occasion for those who need our help, even when they are beyond our own borders. Earlier this month, monstrous typhoons and earthquakes severely impacted areas of Southeast Asia and the Pacific leaving thousands of people dead and even more homeless. The human toll is unfathomable.

Consider these statistics:

* In the Philippines, Typhoon Ketsana made landfall on September 26, causing over 290 fatalities, impacting over 3,000,000 people, and resulting in massive flooding in Metro Manila. Shortly thereafter, Super Typhoon Parma also impacted the Philippines, causing 23 fatalities and impacting over 1,000,000 people. Recovery operations are ongoing.

* In Indonesia, a massive 7.9 magnitude earthquake shook the island of Sumatra on September 30, causing 739 confirmed fatalities and 1,200 missing persons. Search and rescue efforts have transitioned to providing support services for survivors.

* In the Pacific Islands, an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 struck offshore of the Samoan Islands on September 29, triggering a tsunami that impacted Samoa, American Samoa, and Tonga. Over 3,000 have been left homeless by the disaster, and over 170 fatalities have been sustained. A series of significant earthquakes have since rippled throughout the region—including the nation of Vanuatu--triggering widespread public panic of a second major tsunami.

For our members who may have relatives and friends in those affected areas, the NAAAP leadership wants you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

NAAAP claims to be an organization of leaders. Today, we are asking that your generosity and your sense of humanity guide your sense of leadership as you give to those in dire need.

NAAAP has chosen UNICEF as the recipient agency for our collections, as they have been actively engaged and effective in disaster relief in the affected areas.

NAAAP National has set up a Web page where anyone may donate to this cause: http://www.naaap.org/Programs/NAAAPAsiaDisasterRelief.aspx

NAAAP is a 501(c)(3) organization and we will issue a receipt to every individual who makes a donation. The deadline to send in a donation will be December 1, 2009.

Your donation will be invaluable and much appreciated. Please forward this to as many friends as possible. Thanks for your consideration!