The Hobbit Crew Offers Help for Quake

Peter Jackson and the crew of The Hobbit have offered to provide any assistance that they can for Christchurch, New Zealand which was devastated by a 6.3 earthquake on Monday afternoon. Jackson told The Hollywood Reporter, "everyone involved in the production of The Hobbit is shocked and saddened by the earthquake and it's devastating aftermath." and said he informed the NZ government that production was ready "to offer practical assistance and stands ready to help in any way we can.”

So far the death toll remains around 75, with at least 300 missing and 1,350 unaccounted for. The death toll is likely to rise as there are many collapsed buildings to be search including one report of the local TV station Canterbury Television's building collapsing with at least 100 still in it. "This particular site, CTV site, had a number of overseas students in it and my heart goes out to those families that are away knowing that some of their children, family have probably been killed in this incident,'' police operations commander Dave Lawry said of the Canterbury TV building. Rescuers were forced to abandon the search when the building caught on fire.

From The One Ring is a list of charities that are participating in rescue efforts. Thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the earthquake.

Red Cross (NZ) | Red Cross (Australia) | UK Emergency Shelter in Christchurch | Salvation Army