Laurie Cobb

Laurie Cobb, a strong supporter of the Church World Service, worked as a missionary in Sri Lanka and India for parts of the last 25 years.

Cobb said the Church World Service works with local faith-based groups in both Sri Lanka and India.

Church World Service is raising money to buy blankets, food and clothes for people who have lost everything, Cobb said.

Cobb emphasized organizations such as the Red Cross and the Church World Service were able to deal with people's immediate need for food and clean water, but much more aid would be needed from organizations, including Plan USA, to rebuild homes, schools and hospitals.

Cobb also said substantial aid will also be needed from major lenders, the United States and Germany, to help rebuild the devastated infrastructure of countries affected by the tsunami.

The Salvation Army is also playing a major role in helping victims of the tsunami.