[14984] in APO-L
Hurricanes Reduce Red Cross Funds
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Dave BeachBum Bujak)
Thu Sep 19 22:42:49 1996
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 1996 22:41:45 -0400
Reply-To: Dave BeachBum Bujak <dave@DB.ERAU.EDU>
From: Dave BeachBum Bujak <dave@DB.ERAU.EDU>
To: Multiple recipients of list APO-L <APO-L@VM.CC.PURDUE.EDU>
[IMAGE] American Red Cross Disaster Relief News
_________________________________________________________________
Hurricane Relief Efforts Significantly Reduce Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund
Call 1-800-HELP NOW To Help Disaster Victims
_________________________________________________________________
Washington, September 18, 1996 -- The American Red Cross Disaster
Relief Fund is at risk of reaching dangerously low levels due to the
extensive relief efforts being provided to victims of Hurricane Fran
in the eastern U.S. and Hurricane Hortense which struck Puerto Rico
last week. The relief fund is used to help pay for the sheltering and
feeding of disaster victims, as well as for vouchers to purchase
emergency items, such as groceries, new clothing, prescription
medicines, rent, and other necessities.
In all, relief expenses for Hurricanes Fran and Hortense, as well as
subsequent severe flooding in seven states, are estimated to cost Red
Cross as much as $26 million. To date, the Red Cross has opened 393
shelters, housing over 37,500 people in six states and the U.S. Virgin
Islands. More than 606,000 meals have been served to hurricane victims
through fixed and mobile feeding locations. In addition, the American
Red Cross continued to provide disaster relief supplies to support the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in sheltering more than 4,400 people in 76
shelters last night.
"We are reaching a critically low level of funding which can affect
our ability to help victims recover from disasters which have
devastated their lives. Just one catastrophic disaster -- a Hurricane
Andrew-type storm or a major earthquake -- could wipe out the
remaining money in the fund," said Red Cross Acting President Gene
Dyson. "I have seen with my own eyes the difference a safe place to
stay and a warm meal can make to a disaster victim. I appeal to
Americans across the country to help people who are in desperate need
by making a contribution to the American Red Cross today."
All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary
gifts of time and money from the American people. The Red Cross is not
a government agency. To help the victims of this and other disasters,
call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). You
may also contribute to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by
sending a check to your local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red
Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington D.C. 20013.
