Aid Pouring in for Earthquake-Hit China

Thousands of soldiers and civilian volunteers continue rescue and relief efforts after a magnitude 7.9 earthquake shook southwest China's Sichuan Province on May 12.

"Already we have seen a great outpouring of concern and support from across the U.S. for those whose lives were shattered by this disaster," said Senior Vice President of International Services for the American Red Cross, David Meltzer in a press release. "We are working closely with our international partners, including the Chinese Red Cross, to provide vital assistance to those in need."

According to Reuters.com, China has received more than $300 million in international aid to assist those in the disaster. The death toll is expected to exceed 50,000.

The World Health Organization advised it is ready for the death toll to rise due to the lack of sanitary water, food and hot, humid weather. The damage is worst in the province of Sichuan, as this is where the epicenter of the quake was located.

In the second week after the disaster, Chinese organizations, companies and civilians have donated around $1.1 billion for quake relief. That figure is set to mount after a Sunday night charity gala was broadcasted nationally in China; it featured celebrities and public figures placing cash into collection boxes. The event raised over $214 billion.

The first assistance from a foreign military arrived in China this Sunday with two U.S. Air Force cargo planes landing in Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan, with blankets, food, tents and lanterns.

Residents of Chinatown in Los Angeles say they are contributing what they can because so many Chinese Americans have family members who have been directly affected by the earthquake.

"Chinese Americans here have either immediate or extended family members from the impacted areas," said Kim Lui Xie. "Anything will help, it doesn't have to be cash, it could be canned foods or bottled water, doesn't matter."

According to the Associated Press, central and local authorities promised $800 million in aid for the disaster, as millions more in public and corporate donations poured in.

China observed three minutes of silence on Monday at 2:28 p.m., Beijing time - exactly one week after the quake hit, in remembrance of all those effected.

China will also suspend the Olympic torch relay for three days as a part of national mourning for the earthquake victims. Aside from the relay, the government is ordering all flags to be flown at half-staff.

Donations to aid China's earthquake victims can be sent to organizations such as Unicef, World Vision, or by contacting your local Red Cross chapter.