By Lookout Staff

April 5, 2011 --Santa Monica College is, among other things, an international school. The California community college student body includes more than 350 Japanese students who were here in Santa Monica when the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit their home country.

As college staff try to help them in the disaster's aftermath, their fellow students have been hard at work organizing relief efforts.

Monday, they launched their “Love to Japan” campaign, sponsored by the SMC Associated Students and ten student clubs.

The campaign, which will continue for the rest of the week, will raise money by accepting cash donations at the Pico campus Quad and Library Walkway from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

They'll also sell wristbands, “cool ear rings!” and “Love to Japan” T-shirts. Only 100 T-shirts are available, so people who want them are being advised to act quickly.

The donations will be forwarded to the Japanese Red Cross

SMC staff only can pay by checks made payable to the Japanese Red Cross, forwarded to Deyna Hearn, Associate Dean of Student Life.

Japan English Language Association, Rotaract, Alpha Gamma Sigma (honor society) International Students Forum, Phi Theta Kappa (honor society), Math Lab Club, UNICEF Club, Spanish Club, Art Club and Club Grow are the student clubs sponsoring the fundraiser.