Easiest Ways to Give to Japan Earthquake Relief Efforts

International charities have been quick to set up lines for donations to support aid for those affected by the massive earthquake which took place Friday. Forbes recommends that people in the U.S. give through a domestic charity like the Red Cross or the Salvation Army because it's simple and can be deducted on your taxes.

Both organizations have ways you can give through text messaging.  To donate $10 to the Red Cross, text REDCROSS to 90999.  To give $10 to relief efforts in Japan through the Salvation Army, text Japan to 80888.  Another domestic non-profit for disaster relief efforts who accepts text message donations is Convoy of Hope, text TSUNAMI to 50555 to donate

While donating through text messaging can be quite easy for the person sending the text, PC World warns that it can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days for the funds to transfer to the agency.  They recommend a one-time lump sum donation through the charity's website.

So, if online giving is more your style, visit redcross.org, salvationarmyUSA.org or convoyofhope.org.

The Internal Revenue Service also has online resources for charities and contributors dealing with disaster relief.