The tsunami that devastated Sri Lanka and other Indian Ocean countries late last year is only a memory for most of us, but for some, helping the victims has become the focus of their lives.

I've traded several e-mails recently with Vegas Thornton, a part-time University of Nevada, Las Vegas student and technology consultant who decided to put his words into action by taking time off from school to help tsunami victims in Sri Lanka. UNLV journalism major Sarah Turner helped Thornton start the Sri Lanka Outreach Team (www.srilankaoutreach.com). They arrived in Sri Lanka on Jan. 15.

The team's Internet site is a Web log that includes everything from photos showing the devastation and work the team is doing to tips for those traveling to Sri Lanka. Thornton said he spends about 20 minutes at a time in an Internet caf updating the site.

The Anula Wijerma Girls Orphanage was the first to benefit from the group's work.

"This orphanage receives 10 rupees (10 cents) per child, per day ($96 US per month) total to operate the orphanage of 32 girls," Thornton said via e-mail. "The orphanage is currently in need of a roof, which will cost $3,000 US. The building that needs the roof was started in 1990 when a local garment factory employed some of the orphans who were 18 and older. The orphans then gave money to construct this building."

Thornton and Turner aren't alone in their work; they sought help from many colleges and churches. The newest volunteers are Amanda and Mike Balonek of Potsdam, N.Y., and Katie and Bill Kitchin of Baltimore. Turner plans to return to Las Vegas soon to help coordinate efforts and work on a child sponsorship program for the orphanage.

"Since we are covered financially for our well being, any support given goes directly to things like an orphanage cooler, school supplies, and things like that. I think you might remember Louis Castle Jr. The former CEO of (video-game designer) Westwood (Studios) and now head of Electronic Arts' gaming group in L.A. He gave support and that day we purchased the cooler with his name on it and now are buying school supplies with the rest. Using technology here in Sri Lanka allows us to provide real support to those in need here," Thornton said.

The site's photo galleries show devastation, the team at work and many faces of the survivors.

Another compelling area of the site is the "Encouraging and Challenging E-mails" page. Turner and Thornton answer skeptics and critics: "As far as being in too deep, or over the edge, or not having any clue what we're doing -- you're right. But I would have given up already if I didn't feel that this is exactly where God wants me. ... The doors here keep opening, even if it's just a crack at a time. The site's frequently asked questions page includes details for contributing to the team. Those without Web access may contribute through a bank deposit at Wells Fargo, account number 3977701774.