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NEW YORK (CNN) -
One of the world's largest relief efforts gained momentum Tuesday as countries and aid organizations made more donations of money, supplies and personnel to areas ravaged by earthquake-triggered tsunamis.
The United States is offering $35 million, followed by Japan with $30 million. Australia has pledged $7.6 million and Germany $2.7 million. A number of other countries also are reportedly planning to participate in the relief effort.
Pentagon officials said Tuesday the United States is also making plans to send ships, supplies, helicopters and hundreds of troops to Thailand to assist in humanitarian relief. A number of options are being considered and a decision is expected soon, authorities said.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has revised its initial appeal for aid. Its first request for financial assistance was for $6.6 million, based on a preliminary assessment of how much it would cost to launch the relief effort. That request has been revised to 60 million Swiss francs, or about $44 million (U.S.), according to spokesperson Sian Bowen.
Meanwhile, a number of other agencies raised funds and prepared to send aid. They include:
Action Against Hunger (212-967-7800) -- www.actionagainsthunger.org -- The agency says it's raised $8,000 so far in the U.S. Anne-Sophie Fournier, AAH's New York Executive Director, told CNN that there are about 15 ex-pats working in Sri Lanka, and more volunteers are on the way to Thailand and Indonesia.
Air Serv International (540-428-2323) -- www.airserv.org -- The agency is working with U.S. and European government agencies to begin relief flights into Sri Lanka, southeast India and Maldives as early as Wednesday.
American Jewish World Service (212-736-2597) -- www.ajws.org -- The agency said it has raised nearly $200,000 through phone and Internet contributions and is working with its 24 project partners around the world on relief efforts. The relief agency told CNN it has found local shopkeepers whose shops weren't destroyed and asked them to make donations until more supplies arrive.
Direct Relief International (805-964-4767) -- www.directrelief.org -- The agency said shipping giant FedEx Corp. has offered free air freight services. It has also asked consumer products maker Johnson & Johnson to match donations.
Plan USA (800-556-7918) -- www.planusa.org -- The agency has been working to raise money for food, shelter and clean water with about 100 staffers in Sri Lanka working with people on the ground. Hugh Minor, spokesman for Plan USA, said the response has been positive, with one individual donating $50,000.
Project Hope (800-544-4673) -- www.projecthope.org -- The agency has sent medical supplies and medicines to Thailand and Indonesia. Project Hope said it's received offers of medical supplies and individual donations but did not specify a dollar figure.
World Emergency Relief (760-930-8001) -- www.worldemergencyrelief.org -- The agency has shipped 5,000 pounds of sheets, blankets and food to Columbo, Sri Lanka and sent 250 boxes from England with food, hygiene supplies and tents. The agency plans to ship 300,000 pounds more food within the next week, mostly to Thailand.
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