Restaurant throws party to help China's earthquake victims

A party held at China John's Buffet in Jackson raised $5,030 for earthquake relief in central China.

Chinese exchange students and educators at Southeast Missouri State University helped organize the event. Restaurant owner John Cai made a donation in addition to supplying food for about 200 people who attended the party.

Donations can still be made for the earthquake relief fund at Montgomery Bank. The money will be tranferred to the Red Cross in China.

Green ribbons and a thank-you letter were distributed to all who attended. Yifeng Ren, one of the organizers, said the green ribbon means life or hope -- which supporters wanted to pass onto those suffering from the earthquake.

"No contribution is too small," she said.

Other area organizations are sending help to China. The Local Lions have sent 5,000 tents for displaced victims, with more on the way. Lions Club International Foundation and Lions Clubs around the world are mobilizing more than $2 million in relief supplies. Donations can be made at www.lcif.org/donate.