Gate F at Sun Life Stadium was transformed into a humanitarian activity center on Wednesday.
Volunteers planned to spend the day collecting cash, blankets, flashlights and other items that will be donated to the American Red Cross and other agencies mounting relief operations in Japan.
The cost of the earthquake and tsunami that hit the country this month may top $300 billion, according to the Japanese government. It might be the world’s costliest natural disaster.
“We still have 365,000 people that are in Red Cross shelters in Japan,” said Chrystian Tejedor, of the American Red Cross. “People are still in great need and it is important for folks to come out and show support.”
The drive was organized by local promoter Mobile Mike and was sponsored by the Miami Dolphins, Clear Channel Radio Miami, WTVJ-NBC6 and 1-800 Need-Help.
“I saw the images on TV when it first broke, and I was obviously very touched by it,” said Mobile Mike. “I’ve built my brand on community service and this is what makes me tick.”
His goal: $250,000.
Cyndi White, of Miami, said she heard about the drive on the radio and felt obliged to help: “I just think about the moms and babies. And this could affect all of us. It’s terrifying.”
For Kenny Hart, of Miramar, donating meant acting as a global citizen. “I thought I’d come and show my support. We’re getting ready for hurricane season and one day we may need the support,” he said. “It’s a worldwide community.”
Tejedor, of the Red Cross, said the agency could accept only monetary donations. The non-perishable items people left will be steered to other non-profit groups, Mobile Mike said.
Donors received free T-shirts and food and were entered in a drawing for an iPad and a trip to Las Vegas.
South Florida is hosting other relief efforts for Japan.
Throughout this week, the Billy Sullo Salon in Fort Lauderdale will donate 50 percent of its sales to The Salvation Army’s victim relief efforts. The salon is at 2709 E. Oakland Park Blvd.
Information on how to donate can be found at MobileMike.com and RedCross.org. Donations of $10 can also be made by texting “redcross” to 90999.
Read more: Miami Herald