Raley's customers can donate to Japan relief

Customers of the Western Nevada Raley's can now lend their support to relief efforts in Japan in the wake of an 9.0 earthquake and devastating tsunami.

Raley's announced that it's designating all donations to checkstand collection boxes in its 133 Raley's, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods and Food Source stores to Japan disaster relief. The drive began Monday and will run through April 18.

One hundred percent of the donations will go directly to the American Red Cross. Raley's will absorb all administrative costs to ensure that all donations reach the victims.

"The impact of this disaster has been absolutely catastrophic," said Ashley Zepernick, Raley's spokeswoman. "We recognize the huge need for support and we want to provide our customers with an easy way to contribute and feel confident that their donations are reaching people in need."