Relief fund needs replenishing

Mongaup Valley — Red Cross financial reserves, designated for disaster and emergency relief, have fallen to a critical low. The Disaster Relief Fund allows the Red Cross to respond immediately whenever and wherever disaster strikes, unlike other organizations that must raise the needed funding before they can begin to provide relief.

Tropical Storm Allison has become the most expensive tropical storm in American Red Cross history. While efforts were already well underway to replenish the critically depleted Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund with a $20 million campaign, the recent destruction left by Tropical Storm Allison has increased demand on the fund. The Red Cross must now raise $35 million to ensure that the Disaster Relief Fund is at a safe and stable level.

Nationwide, since July 1, 2000, the Red Cross has spent more than $40.7 million on the victims of almost 300 major disasters in 45 states, but has raised only $24.6 million toward these efforts. This does not include the more than $23 million that will be spent on relief efforts for Tropical Storm Allison, which caused destruction from Texas to New England.

With the danger of floods, hurricanes and tornadoes through the spring and into the early fall, the Red Cross must quickly rebuild this emergency fund. Without the influx of immediate public support, there is the very real danger that a single earthquake, hurricane or other major disaster could totally deplete emergency reserves.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. To help the victims of this and other disasters, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 800/HELP NOW or 800/257-7575 (Spanish).

Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting www.nyredcross.org. Donations of spare change can also be made through Coinstar machines in grocery stores throughout the country. To locate the nearest Coinstar machine, visit www.findcoinstar.com.

Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter.