As the death toll rises, how you can help

SHANGHAI - Our writers have not focused much on the unfolding disaster in Sichuan province, largely because TV crews, journalists, Twitterati, bloggers, and others are now either on the ground or already doing excellent coverage. But it's important that we mention that everyone can help aid in the rescue and recovery effort, and help the victims of the quake. Shanghaiist, which has been leading the blogging coverage of the earthquake aftermath, has a page which shows how you can contribute. Please do so.

I arrived in Shanghai this afternoon and my hotel has both CNN and BBC, two stations I don't receive in my apartment. The images, which many people have already seen repatedly, are shocking and incredibly sad. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.