Whether you were on the ground in Beijing or elsewhere in much of China (or even in Thailand), you felt the quake yesterday. People died -- and the figures are absolutely astonishing and awful; tweets on Twitter speak of a possible 100,000 in terms of the death toll. Just around 24 hours after the quake, the number of people dead crossed over into five-digit territory. The quake is appalling reality to too many people.

Your Beijingologist would like to make an appeal:

Those with the cash, the goods, the fill-in-the-blank: it's time to give. This is not a "generalized appeal for money". It's about thinking about what happened, and to give.

Go to a reputable charity organization that you trust, and give them your money. These people on the ground need that stuff. It's time to tell these people that you care about them.

If you work in a company, you most likely will be asked to give as part of your company's efforts. Don't drop out. Stand in line and give generously.

People are on their last legs. Some may have already gone to heaven. For the others, their homes are gone. Their loved ones, maybe forever -- maybe seriously injured.

Money can't buy everything, but these people need every bit of comfort. Prayers, goods, the cash -- we need to see people come out and show that they care for those in need.

I myself have always stood on the side of helping these folks -- and this time will be no exception. I will give. And I think it's a good idea -- and something everyone reading The Beijingologist should consider doing, too.

From my desk at The Beijingologist, our thoughts are with all those affected. You are in our hearts. We will do everything we can to help you out of this terrible tragedy.