More than 2 million people have been killed, injured or displaced by the catastrophic earthquake that recently hit Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. Not surprisingly, the No. 1 request of victims is for tents to provide temporary shelter.

Regardless of the weather, tents help people survive the elements, and they are something many of us can provide. We have them packed away in our sheds and garages but they’re rarely used by anyone except serious campers.

If you own a tent and would like to upgrade, now’s the perfect time. Invest in a new one and send your old one to people who desperately need it.

In America, having a roof over our heads is something we take for granted. But the experience of those left homeless by Hurricane Katrina has taught us otherwise.

Now comes a devastating tragedy in another part of the world. It’s left not hundreds, but hundreds of thousands of victims homeless.

They need shelter quickly.

Local service organizations, such as Kiwanis and Rotary, already have the means to deliver wheelchairs to other parts of the world. Simi Sunrise Rotary even delivered boats to fishermen affected by the tsunami in Southeast Asia. Club officials say they can just as easily get badly needed tents to Asia Minor.

Winter is coming and snow is about to fall in the quake area. If they haven’t already, the earthquake victims will soon face deadly exposure. Take an inventory of your possessions and if you can spare a tent, please do so.

With all the tragedies, you’ve been asked repeatedly to donate. If your wallet no longer permits you to make a cash contribution, consider giving a tent.

Call your local service organization and ask how you can help. Simi Sunrise Rotary can be reached at (805) 5204894 and Simi Valley Kiwanis at (805) 675-8668, or call a local church or synagogue.