In their own quiet way, Indians are doing their bit to help the people affected by tsunamis that hit south India.

While individuals are coming forward with donations and offers to volunteer, non-governmental organisations are using such offers to cobble together a workable relief operation.

• Where to send relief material for Tamil Nadu

The Indian Red Cross Society is already assisting the respective state governments with relief work. In addition to financial donations, its Mumbai chapter is accepting relief material, which can be sent to:

Indian Red Cross Society,
141, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road,
Town Hall Compound,
Mumbai 400 001
Tel 022-22662524/3956
Contact person: Maya (98200 83856)
Cheques may be made in the name of: Bombay City Red Cross Operation Tsunami.

The material IRCS is collecting:
1. sarees
2. biscuits
3. rice
4. stretchers
5. potable water tank
6. mineral water
7. tea
8. coffee
9. sugar
10. gur (jaggery)
11. toor dal
12. moong dal
13. torches
14. carry bags
15. milk powder
16. aluminium mugs with handles
17. tarpaulin sheets
18. towels (large)
19. face napkins
20. T-shirts
21. plastic buckets, mugs
22. soaps
23. bed sheets
24. chlorine tablets
25. crocin tablets
26. glucose powder
27. plates - plastic/aluminium
28. plastic spoons
29. masks & gloves

• Tsunami relief: Small change, big hearts

NGOs Goonj and Akanksha, which have around 25 collection centres across Mumbai, are accepting medicines, clothes, food, bed sheets, and household items. They also want volunteers to create awareness, organise collection camps, sorting and packing.

The material that they are collecting: clothes, tarpaulin, bed sheets, utensils,dry ration, candles match box, torch and batteries, water purifier tablets, medicines.

Contact person: Jessy (jessy75@rediffmail.com or 9323811175)

• How you can help tsunami victims

Indian Airlines has offered to carry all relief material free of cost. Contact its regional directors at the following telephone numbers:
Northern Region, Delhi -- 25672800
Eastern Region, Kolkata -- 22116953
Western Region, Mumbai -- 26156788
Southern Region, Chennai -- 22561070