We have all seen the pictures and video of the aftermath and devastation in the central Philippines by Super Typhoon Haiyan. Entire communities are cut off. Information and communications are limited. Infrastructure is damaged or destroyed. Water, food, shelter and medical supplies are needed. It is gut wrenching to hear the pleas for help, knowing you are half way around the world. What can we do?

Many of my colleagues are Filipino Americans. It is common for them to send money and other support back home. Most are from Metro Manila, an area mostly spared by the typhoon. But many have family and friends in the devastated area.

This is personal for me. The lady I have spent the past 13 years with is from Ormoc City in the province of Leyte. One of many severely damaged and isolated communities, a mere 60 miles southwest of Tacloban City as the crow flies. I have watched her frantically trying to contact family and friends. Obtaining only a trickle of information from her homeland.

Frustrated, and with no way to directly provide money or aid to loved ones, we decided the best way to help right now is to make a cash donation to one of the disaster relief agencies. Our choice is the Red Cross, but there are many others.

I am asking that you join us. Any amount will help. If you wish to make a contribution to the Red Cross go to: www.redcross.org and select “Typhoon Appeal”. Many companies will match an employee’s donation of $25 or more, so check with your companies Human Resources Department.