(CNN) — The world is mobilizing to help victims of Friday’s 9.0-magnitude earthquake that unleashed a devastating tsunami on Japan.  The U.S. State Department is urging U.S. citizens to contact friends and family as soon as possible. They can also e-mail the State Department at JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov. Those seeking information on security in or travel to Japan can call 1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444

Google also is helping victims touch base with friends and loved ones. Its People Finder, which was tracking almost 153,000 records as of Monday morning,

allows users to look for victims or post information about people. It works in five languages. As nations offer monetary aid, condolences and rescue teams, many people around the world are seeking ways to ease the burden on the Japanese government and people.  The humanitarian group World Vision is sending personnel to affected areas and providing food, water, medical supplies and shelter for victims.

It also plans to establish one or more “child-friendly spaces” for kids “affected by disasters to resume normal childhood activities and experience structure and security that are often lost following emergency situations.”  Follow World Vision’s blog for updates, and visit its website or text “4JAPAN” to 20222 to send a $10 donation to the group. It will show up on your next mobile phone bill.  The American Red Cross sent a disaster expert from Washington to Japan on Monday, and the Japanese Red Cross has dispatched dozens of response teams. To aid the Red Cross efforts, you can text “REDCROSS” to 90999 and make a $10 donation to the organization.  You can also keep up with Red Cross updates by following its Twitter feed and Facebook updates.

The Salvation Army, which has had a presence in Japan since 1895, sent a team to Sendai to assess damage, and the charity hopes to provide food, water and other necessities. In Tokyo, the Salvation Army opened its main building to house and feed commuters who were unable to reach their homes.  The aid organization is issuing updates via its blog, its Twitter feed and Facebook page. It also is accepting donations via text message. Those interested in contributing $10 to the group can text “JAPAN” or “QUAKE” to 80888. AmeriCares, which is also accepting donations, said it is mobilizing resources and sending an emergency response manager to the region.  Save the Children is sending an emergency team to assist its staff in Japan. Donations to the group’s Children’s Emergency Fund will help preserve the welfare of young ones, who “are always the most vulnerable in a disaster,” Eiichi Sadamatsu in central Tokyo said in a statement. Text “JAPAN” to 20222 to donate $10 to Save the Children for Japan relief.

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is also raising funds for child victims. A UNICEF team assessed the worst-hit areas of Japan on Tuesday to see where funds are most needed.  UNICEF said that if donations exceed anticipated needs, it will redirect excess funds to other areas where children have the greatest need. To help, call 1-800-FOR-KIDS, visit the group’s website or text “JAPAN” to 864233 to donate $10.

Other organizations taking advantage of texting donation options include Mercy Corps (text “MERCY” to 25383 to donate) and Convoy of Hope (text “TSUNAMI” to 50555 to make a $10 donation).  Globalgiving.org, another aid organization that allows donors to select the causes they want to support — including climate change, economic development, human rights and disaster relief — has established a Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.  Globalgiving will disburse funds to organizations providing aid and relief to victims. Text “JAPAN” to 50555 to donate to the fund.

Among those organizations are Save the Children and the International Medical Corps. The Corps, which focuses on “health care training and relief and development programs,” is coordinating with local authorities and partners to determine the most pressing needs. It also is providing technical expertise and assisting with logistics.  To contribute to the Corps’ efforts, visit its website or text “MED” to 80888 to send the group a $10 donation.

And don’t forget the “other” victims of the temblor and tsunami. The American Humane Association, which has been rescuing animals in disasters since 1916, has set up a relief fund for rescuing animals. Donations help provide shelter and care.  You can keep up with American Humane Association developments on Twitter and Facebook.  ShelterBox was on the ground in Japan less than 24 hours after the earthquake struck. The ShelterBox Response Team is working with authorities to assess the situation and provide emergency shelter to homeless disaster victims.  “In light of how many people are now displaced from their homes, our primary concern is making sure that our aid is available to those who need it most,” Tom Henderson, ShelterBox founder and CEO, said in a statement.  Visit the group’s website to make a donation.

Doctors Without Borders has a team of people on the ground to assist in the massive government-led relief effort.  “On Sunday, we conducted mobile clinics and assessments in two evacuation centers. It appears that medical needs are increasing in evacuation centers,” Mikiko Dotsu, the coordinator of the Doctors Without Borders team, said in a statement.  As they continue to make assessments, teams will focus on vulnerable populations, including elderly people and young children, as well as people suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.  ShelterBox and Doctors Without Borders are accepting nonspecific donations at this time.

The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is working with the Japanese Jewish community to get emergency relief — food, water and shelter — to victims in the hardest-hit areas through a local Japanese nongovernmental organization.  Like many organizations, the JDC is accepting only monetary donations at this point. Visit the JDC’s website to donate to its Japan/Pacific Emergency Relief Fund.  For more information, please read CNNMoney’s story explaining how donors should watch the crisis unfold before sending contributions. The article also provides tips on what to give, where to give and how to avoid scams.

CNN’s Natalie Angley contributed to this report.

Email info@modaimageconsulting.com or call 615.656.4279 for more information about individual or corporate services.