Groups collecting to help victims of the tsunami MILLTOWN — The United Way of Central Jersey (UWCJ) and several area legislators are accepting monetary donations for the victims of the earthquake and tsunamis in Asia. More than 145,000 are confirmed dead as a result of the events, and millions more are injured and homeless. Many of the victims are children. Twelve countries are affected by what is likely the most deadly natural disaster in history. The secondary problems from the catastrophe include the threat of disease, overwhelmed health care facilities and the possibility of thousands of orphaned children. "The destruction and loss of life is unfathomable," UWCJ President Gloria Aftanski said. "The United Way of Central Jersey is asking the public to donate money to help prevent further loss of life and to aid the survivors. The living are surrounded by death, they have no food or clean water, and no place to sleep. Our goal is to help in any way possible." The UWCJ has pledged that 100 percent of the money it raises will go to the United Way agencies directly helping the victims. Donations can be mailed or dropped off in person to the United Way of Central Jersey, 32 Ford Ave., Milltown 08850. Checks and money orders can be made payable to the United Way of Central Jersey. For donations by way of credit card and other information, call (732) 247-3727. State legislators from the 19th District are also collecting monetary donations to help the victims. Sen. Joseph Vitale, and Assemblymen John S. Wisniewski and Joseph Vas (all D-19), are taking donations at their district offices for both the Red Cross Aid to the Victims of South Asia Tsunami and the United Way South Asia Response Fund. Vitale’s district office is located at 87 Main St., Woodbridge 07095; Wisniewski’s is at 3145 Bordentown Ave., Parlin 08859; and Vas’ is at 276 Hobart St., Perth Amboy 08862. Donations for the American Red Cross, which go toward humanitarian relief, should be made payable to "American Red Cross International Response Fund." Checks can be earmarked for specific countries by placing the name of the country in the memo line of the check. Donations for the United Way, to be used for improving the fallen infrastructure in South Asia, should be made payable to "United Way South Asia Response Fund."