The Earthquake in Peru:What you can do to help

As you may or may not know I am a supporter of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. This is an excerpt from an email I received today. Please visit UNICEF and consider making a donation.

UNICEF is rushing aid to the victims of the Peru earthquake and we need your help.

"Time is of the essence for the children of Peru. While the urgent search for survivors continues, it is equally urgent to provide emergency relief to the children who were affected by this devastating quake," said Caryl Stern, President and CEO, U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

Your donation will help UNICEF provide water-purification tablets, water containers, oral rehydration salts and water tanks that are so critical in the days and weeks after a disaster. Your gift will also support UNICEF's ongoing work for children in Peru.

With staff on the ground in Peru since 1948, UNICEF was ready to move into action immediately to save kids' lives. For ongoing updates about UNICEF's work in the aftermath of this disaster, please visit our Fieldnotes blog.

Thank you for your commitment to the world's children and for letting us call upon you in emergencies that require additional support. We are grateful for your dedication to this mission.

What your money can buy (US$)

$3 can buy a large wool blanket to protect children from the cold during an emergency.

$22 can buy a First Aid kit containing items such as gloves, adhesive, bandages and gauze for use during emergency situations.

$101 can provide 10 families with Basic Family Water kits for use during emergency situations.

$244 can buy an Emergency Health Kit that provides basic drugs, medical supplies, and equipment for 1,000 people for 3 months.