The US State Department has approved an airlift of donated supplies to tsunami victims in Samoa and Tonga.
This follows a request by American Samoan member of the US Congress, Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, to authorise transport of supplies collected by the Samoan community in the United States.
An organiser for the disaster relief drive from the Samoan Congregational Christian Church in Los Angeles is Kennedy Mailo.
He says the collected goods are wrapped and ready to go at Los Angeles airport and the assistance with the church's efforts would be really appreciated.
"It would mean a great deal. It would help out the children and the elderly that are really suffering back at home in Samoa. And it would be a great financial help for the churches trying to put these relief efforts together."
But Kennedy Mailo says he is concerned about distribution of the supplies to the people in need.
Congressman Faleomavaega has thanked Secretary Hilary Clinton for her personal involvement and commitment to helping people in Samoa.
