By Elizabeth Ladzinski
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UNION SQUARE — New Yorkers gathered in Union Square Thursday to raise donations to support Japan after the country was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami.
Musicians, artists and concerned community members showed their support through performing, crafting paper cranes and signing a large "Help Japan" banner with thoughts and prayers for the country.
"Anything to keep the spirit up here and over there will help," said Alex Mora, who brought the banner. He asked children and adults to write cheerful messages on it, and he hopes to donate it to Japan NGO Earthquake Relief and Recovery Fund.
"It's great to see the number of people who have come to support Japan" said Karen Chung, 36, of Jersey City, who brought reams of colored paper to the square and encouraged passers-by to help her make 1000 origami paper cranes in a sign of peace and support for Japan.
Chung wasn't sure yet what organization she would donate the cranes to.
Not far from where Chung was sitting, a group of musicians gathered to play music and pass around a collection bin to raise donations for the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.
"I thought, let's get some musicians together and make some noise for this cause," said Masa Okunishi, 35, of Brooklyn, who asked his friends to come play drums and dance in the Square.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has said that New Yorkers may donate money to Japan by calling 311 or online through the Mayor's Fund website.
