The numbers are simply unimaginable. A monster earthquake and ensuing tidal waves have killed more than 52,000 people in 10 countries in Asia.

The death toll will certainly rise. Thousands of people are missing. Entire families are dead; a whole generation could have been lost.

United Nations officials say one-third &045;&045; even up to half &045;&045; of the dead are children.

Even now that the destructive forces of nature have taken their toll, the children and their families face greater danger from disease and lack of food and water.

It is easy to shake our heads in disbelief and turn away. But remember how the entire world responded to our pain after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks; we received prayers and help from around the globe.

So how can we help now, from half a world away?

These organizations are accepting aid for the earthquake victims:

4American Red Cross, International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C., 20012; 1-800-HELP NOW; redcross.org.

4World Vision, P.O. Box 70288, Tacoma, Wash., 98481-0288; 1-888-56 CHILD; worldvision.org

4Care USA, 151 Ellis St. NE, Atlanta, Ga., 30303-2440; (404) 681-2552; 1-800-521 CARE; careusa.org

4Doctors Without Borders, P.O. Box 1856, Merrifield, W.Va. 22116-8056; 1-888-392-0392; www.doctorswithoutborders.org.