U.S. Boosts Tsunami Aid Tenfold to $350M

By DEB RIECHMANN

CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) - The United States is pledging $350 million to help tsunami victims, a tenfold increase over its first wave of aid, President Bush announced Friday.

"Initial findings of American assessment teams on the ground indicate that the need for financial and other assistance will steadily increase in the days and weeks ahead," Bush said Friday in a statement released in Crawford, Texas, where he is staying at his ranch.

"Our contributions will continue to be revised as the full effects of this terrible tragedy become clearer," he said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this epic disaster."
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Powell also praised the generosity of private donors in the United States and said he hoped the world would follow their example.

"I want to encourage all the nations of the world to reach deep and to make as significant contribution as they are able to because this is an unprecedented disaster. It is unprecedented in my career, and I have been through a number of humanitarian crises in the last 20 years, so I hope that the world will be generous in this regard," he said.
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It's nice to see that America isn't the only country that stepped up their initial pledge. Now how long will it take the world to forget the generosity of America? I would suggest giving to World Vision if you have not given yet. They are a very capable Christian organization.

For some statistics of America's private donations to the relief go to Powerline. They have an estimation of $169 Million.