The earthquake of September 29, 2009 in the Samoan region that created a tsunami of devastating proportions to the Samoan islands have not gone in vain.  At least not for a community in the South Bay Carson area which mobilized hours after the tsunami hit the islands.

The tsunami birthed the HelpSamoa Disaster Relief Coalition, headquartered in Carson California and comprised of community organizations, churches, civic/business organizations and community volunteers from across the continental United States.  The primary goal of the coalition is to provide immediate relief and rebuilding assistance to both the independent state of Samoa and American Samoa, a United States territory.

In its 6th week  of operation, the HelpSamoa coalition has raised food, water, medical supplies, clothing, diapers and other immediate relief items.  They have also raised tens of thousands in monetary and in-kind donations for shipping the items, but shipping costs are steep.  Fifteen containers of various relief items left the Port of Long Beach on the Hamburg Sun and Polynesia ocean liners two weeks ago and arrived in Samoa via on October 29, 2009.

These goods are being distributed to those with the greatest needs on both islands by community organizations under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the receiving party and the Help Samoa Coalition.  The MOU stipulates specific terms and conditions for a fair and impartial needs assessment and distribution of relief items to those with the greatest need.
American Samoa is being managed by NASAC (Native American Samoa Advisory Council) while the independent state of Samoa distribution is managed by broker, Alfred Fong.

The HelpSamoa Coalition has assisted in airlift relief efforts organized by the State Department and assistance from community leaders such as Congresswoman Laura Richardson. 

The coalition is now focused on in its rebuilding goals and is organizing the collection of donations such as building materials and supplies.  "Rebuilding items are expensive," says Chief Loa Pele Faletogo, coalition chair."  We need as much help as we can get.
Items are being stored in local Carson storage facilities for a ship leaving Long Beach in mid November.  For more information on those greatest needs items, and how you can help with an online donation, please visit www.helpsamoa.com or call (310)329-6197.