Many in Southern Illinois are opening their hearts and their pocketbooks to relieve the suffering of the survivors of the post-Christmas tsunami that swept through parts of Asia and Africa killing more than 100,000 people.

It is heartening to see the response from people here in Southern Illinois.

Here are just a few examples:

At Herrin High School, students who are part of the Student Chamber of Commerce, the Young Republicans and the Young Democrats have organized a fund-raising campaign with proceeds to be directed to the American Red Cross and its relief efforts. Students have posted flyers in the halls and announcements have been made over the school's intercom. The result? Students are reaching into their pockets to help relieve the suffering of people they have never met.

Du Quoin area residents have adopted the village of Giripurum in an effort to reach out to a specific group of people. The effort is being coordinated by retired pastor Jerry Dunn and Du Quoin Mayor John Rednour. They have set up an account at Du Quoin State Bank. Giripurum is a fishing community of about 2,500 people. You can send a donation to "The Tsunami Fund" at the Du Quoin State Bank, 15 E. Main St., Du Quoin, IL 62832.

Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole, already set for a visit to Carbondale's sister city of Shimla, India, has set up collection points around the city for local residents to make a contribution to tsunami sufferers in that part of the world. The sister city program encourages understanding and the exchange of ideas, so what better way for Carbondale residents to send a message to residents of our sister city in India than to make a contribution to the tsunami fund?

The regional American Red Cross in Herrin has reported an enormous outpouring of calls received from Southern Illinoisans hoping to lend support. Red Cross officials report that the 13 counties under the Little Egypt network of the American Red Cross have surpassed $13,000 in contributions. The Red Cross office reports it hasn't seen such a generous outpouring since Sept. 11, 2001.

In addition, many churches and civic groups have organized relief efforts.

Americans and Southern Illinoisans are generous people who want to help others.

While the United States government has offered a substantial aid package, it is the outpouring of generous average Americans that might wind up making the greatest impact.

We are pleased and proud to see Southern Illinoisans so willing to help during this crisis half way around the world.