Plateau residents have joined the worldwide effort to bring relief to Asian countries devastated by the Dec. 26 tsunami.

To date, more than 155,000 people are confirmed dead and countless more are unaccounted for.

The disaster has brought an unprecedented outpouring of sympathy around the planet.

Locally, the most dramatic fund-raising activity is planned for the evening of Jan. 21 at White River High School.

All are invited to arrive at 7:30, offer a cash donation at the gate and join others in a circle around the track. They will do "the wave," which originated in the Pacific Northwest, in what is being billed as a "Wave after Wave" event.

Following the wave, there will be a candlelight vigil in honor of the tsunami victims.

Proceeds will be forwarded by the high school Associated Student Body through World Vision.

Anyone seeking more information can contact Herb Entz, the district's parent involvement coordinator, at 360-829-5794.

A pair of Buckley businesses also are putting some of their proceeds toward the relief effort.

At RT's Sweet Shoppe, owner Ruby Tiller is contributing $1 each time a customer orders one of her lunch specials. She began the effort Jan. 3 and figures to continue for a couple of months.

Tiller is keeping a running tally, which she totals each Friday. She then writes a check and channels the money through her church, Lake Tapps Christian, which directs the funds to World Vision.

At Movies Plus, owner Barb Gagner will be donating one-half of her earnings beginning today, Wednesday, through Sunday. Also, she will be accepting cash donations.

In Enumclaw, the Washington Mutual branch and QFC grocery store are accepting donations. In each case, funds are directed to the Red Cross.