The staff at Island Square Apartments is hoping to raise enough money to send at least two ShelterBoxes to Japan in the wake of the earthquake and Tsunami.

Carolyn Celis, the director of Island Square, said they have been trying to find a way to get immediate relief to some of the homeless victims of the disaster. ShelterBox operates solely on donations, but instead of waiting for money to filter down to people, which can take forever, they send a box that contains shelter for up to 10 people.

Each box costs $1,000. The donor is able to track where and when it was sent. Each box contains a tent custom made for ShelterBox, made by Vango, designed to withstand extreme temperatures, high winds and rainfall, with partitions to allow recipients to divide the space as they see fit.

The box also contains a package with drawing books, crayons and pens for kids who have lost most — if not all — of their belongings.

The ShelterBox also contains a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, blankets and insulated ground sheets, mosquito nets if needed and a means of water purification.

Only new equipment is included and it is selected for durability, practicality and suitability.

If you would like to donate, please send donations (checks please, made out to Shelter Box) to Island Square, 2758 78th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island, Wash., 98040.