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MARQUETTE -- At least 3,000 are dead.  Since last week, the earthquake and tsunami have triggered fires that have left five million households without electricity and one million without water.

Fortunately, the sister city of Marquette, Higashiomi, was pretty much spared.  The city's inland location and distance from the eastern coast helped keep residents safe.

For over 30 years, Marquette has had a cultural exchange with Higashiomi, and many U.P. residents have developed friendships with residents there.

Despite the fact Higashiomi was not directly hit, relatives and friends of community members who were affected are in need of assistance.

"We worked with the Marquette Community Foundation to put together a fund to assist the rebuilding and all the efforts that they're going to need to undertake in the coming months," said Mayor John Kivela of the City of Marquette.

For the areas that were affected by the natural disaster, there is some good news:  Japan’s Red Cross is top of the line.

"The Japanese Red Cross are probably one of the most advanced and prepared in the world," said Renee Wyatt of the American Red Cross.

That fact alone is not stopping people in the U.P. from offering assistance.

Local Red Cross leaders say monetary donations are the best way to help.

"Trying to collect items is just too much," Wyatt said.  "And at this time of need, right now, what they need is the financial support to be able to get done the basics they need to get done."

For more information on how to donate, click on the following links: 

Red Cross

Higashiomi

Save the Children

International Medical Corps

GlobalGiving

The Salvation Army

Mercy Corps

World Vision

Doctors Without Borders