Like so many others I was shocked to hear the news and to see images of the earthquake near Chengdu in China, especially the extent of the effects.

My heart goes out to all those who lost loved ones in this disaster. I cannot even begin to imagine the immense sense of loss.

American TV has said that (if this had happened there) the scope and range of the earthquake would have been from Oregon to Maine. Mind-boggling!!

So many of us want to help, and don't quite know how or what. I would like to suggest that any and all donations to the Red Cross (either in your home country or the nearest Chinese office) will likely do the most good.

Again, my sincerest condolences to the people of China and to all who lost loved ones in this tragedy.