With the invaluable donation of 15 containers, labor, and ocean line transportation from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Local 13, the Help Samoa Disaster Relief Coalition sent three 40-foot containers and one 20-foot container to Samoa, as well as six 20-foot containers to American Samoa. Two of the community’s faith-based organizations filled the remaining five.

“A lot of people worked hard for the first shipment and we want to acknowledge their contributions,” says Chief Loa Pele Faletogo, Coalition Chair.  “But without the tremendous assistance from these angels from the ILWU, we wouldn’t have been able to get the materials to those who need it most.”

Help Samoa’s partner non-governmental organizations, Native American Samoa Advisory Council (NASAC) in American Samoa, and Samoa Umbrella of Non-Governmental Organizations (SUNGO)  and Pan Pacific and Southeast Asia Women’s Association (PPSEAWA) in Samoa , have received the containers and are already hard at work distributing items to those most in need.

Help Samoa’s second shipment of containers left the Port of Los Angeles on Friday October 30, 2009 and is estimated to arrive in American Samoa on November 14, 2009.  The Coalition is currently raising funds for its third shipment, which will focus on building materials and supplies.

ILWU Local 13 Union Partners
Photo Credit: 'Amelia Niumeitolu


Caption: Help Samoa Disaster Relief Coalition Drop Off Center and Headquarters
Photo Credit: 'Amelia Niumeitolu

Samoa tsunami relief commercials have been released by filmmaker Hagoth Aiono. The spots feature actors Wilmer Valderrama and Peter Tuiasosopo as well as Samoans from the Southern California community. Please contact HelpSamoa.com on how you can use these spots in your community to help the relief efforts.

Hello there, my name is Tanoai Reed and I live in Newury Park,  Ca.  I am from the Islands of Samoa where many of my family still live today. As you know they have been devastated by a recent earthquake and Tsunami.  I am doing all I can to help get relief to the people there. I am wondering if you would be able to make a donation of tools to the Help Samoa Disaster Relief Coalition. There are many people donating clothes, food, etc... but I know that #1 on the list of needs are tools to rebuild the villages. Please respond as soon as you can so that I can work with you in helping my people get exactly what they need. There is a website you can go to for addresses and contact info on how you can support the short and long term relief efforts.  It's www.helpsamoa.com.  I appreciate your support and thank you on behalf of my family and friends in Samoa.  

Tanoai Reed
Stuntman - American Gladiator - Actor
Website                                                      

AP Photo
Aitofi Muaina, left, hugs Aina Lualemaga as they arrive for a prayer service in Carson, Calif., Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009 for the victims of earthquake and tsunami that hit the Samoas.

CARSON, Calif. —

In the sweltering Samoan Congregational Christian Church in Carson, Calif., roughly 200 people joined in a special twilight service in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that have left at least 160 dead.

Lusi Timai, 44, has been trying to reach her aunts and cousins in American Samoa since the tsunami hit Tuesday but can't get through.

"We just pray... we just come here to pray for them," she said, clutching the cell phone she's been using to call.

The urban sprawl south of Los Angeles is a hub for the Samoan community and ground zero for coordination of relief efforts that local community leaders are getting underway.

About 40 percent of the country's 72,000 Samoans live in California, according to data from the 2008 American Community Survey.

In the hours since the tsunami, local community leaders have fielded a stream of calls from Samoans frantically trying to reach their relatives. They also formed a network of clergy, community leaders and non-profits to harnass and transport donations of canned food, water, tarps and other necessities to the affected regions.

Outside the church on Thursday, local politicians offered to do what they could to help the communities in American Samoa and Samoa. Inside, the faithful belted out spiritual Christian songs to a band's music and batted themselves with fans to stay cool.

Aitofi Muaina, 62, came to pray for her 94-year old aunt who holed up on the second floor of her house in American Samoa while the ocean waters rushed in below.

"She's alive. It's all that counts," said Muaina, who traveled from Las Vegas for the service. "It's a miracle."