COLUMBIA (WACH)--Two midlands teens donate more than $30,000 to the American Red Cross for Japan survivors.
It's been over a month since the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami hit Japan last month and the country is still recovering, but two midlands students are using art to give back those who survived.
Alix and Cari Takayama Tuel are not your average teens, when they're not in school, they're raising funds to help families a world away.
"I spent all of my spring break going around to different people asking them about it spreading the word," says Alix Tuel.
"I feel like even if I wasn't connected sometimes you just have to do the right thing," said Cari.
The sisters are Japanese-American students and they're using art to help survivors of last months deadly earthquake and tsunami that completely devastated Japan.
More than 14,000 people have died and more than 11,000 are still missing but Cari and Alix are bringing a glimmer of hope to those trying to pick up the pieces.
"I think it can bring warmth and medicine to the elderly, said Cari "It can help people feel more at home they can get their necessities and it will just make them feel like people actually care about us."
The Tuel's "Red Dot for Japan Campaign" has rallied the local arts community together to give back to a country they say has given to all.
They've done so much with their arts you know abstract paintings influenced from them, caligraphy, said Alix "All of these different things and i think the U.S should stand up and show some support."
Alix and Cari have raised $16,000.00 through their local fundraisers which is more than this sisters anticipated.
"I was hoping for $10,000, I wasn't even expecting this much at all, I mean it was really great," said Alix.
Bi-Lo Charities agreed to match the Tuel's gift and Monday the sister presented the American Red Cross a check for $32,000.00
"This is our way to really help and show that its not just the big corporate companies that are helping its small town ordinary people like us," said Alix.