With the death toll from the killer tsunamis that slammed South Asia on Sunday rapidly approaching 100,000, the Philadelphia-based Pew Charitable Trusts has announced a $1 million donation to the D.C.-based American Red Cross for disaster relief.

"The scale of this disaster is historic and we hope America's response will be, too," said Pew president and CEO Rebecca Rimel. "This holiday season is rooted in generosity and goodwill to all, and if communities pull together once more this year to give, it could help save nearly a million survivors from starvation, disease, and homelessness caused by this catastrophe." Rimel said she hoped that major cities nationwide would each strive to meet or exceed the $1 million contribution mark.

"The scope of this historic catastrophe has placed huge demands on the individuals, communities, and entire countries impacted by this earthquake and the resulting tsunamis," said Red Cross COO Alan McCurry. "It is only with the generosity and leadership of philanthropic partners like the Pew Charitable Trusts that we, along with our sister societies around the world, can support the emergency response in those countries affected."