To the editor:

Our hearts have been touched by the human suffering in Japan. Certainly we all want to help. But we also want our money to be used wisely.

The ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) Disaster Response is among the most efficient agencies supporting the relief efforts. The ELCA pays all overhead. You will not be paying for advertising, the salaries of CEOs, office space, etc.

The ELCA pays those expenses, and

100 percent of your money ends up in Japan. We have relief workers already on the ground who will work closely with the other reputable relief agencies. You can contribute with confidence.

Make your checks out to Trinity Lutheran Church, mark them JAPAN, and mail them to Trinity at PO Box 97, Freeland, WA 98249. You may also drop your check by the church office in Freeland, 18341 Highway 525, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Last Sunday morning we raised more than $3,000 for this relief effort. Please join us.

Pastor Jim Lindus

Trinity Lutheran Church