Within Japan, at least $3.7 billion has been raised by charities, like the Japanese Red Cross and Central Community Chest of Japan.  It was all to help the victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunamis.

A report shows that so far only 23% of that money has actually gone to the victims.

The charities are working with local governments to get the money out, but local officials say the logistics of such an operation, because of the huge number of displaced victims, is making the job difficult.  On top of that, local governments are short on manpower.  Most government workers are involved with clean up, rebuilding, radiation checks and decontamination.

Here’s an idea:  Why not take some of the victims, who’re complaining of not having anything to do because their homes and jobs have been destroyed, and create a disaster relief crew that helps the charities distribute the donations?

The $3.7 billion does not include all the money Japan got from other countries.