Friday, September 2, 2005

Cash Donations Provide Best Help for Hurricane Victims

County Executive Dennis Levinson is encouraging residents who wish to help victims of Hurricane Katrina to make cash donations through such agencies as the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army.

"From what we are being told, the best help we can offer is cash donations that will be used to provide desperately needed food, water, shelter and medical care," stated Levinson. "As most of us have seen, the devastation experienced along the Gulf Coast is unimaginable. So many people want to offer help and the best way to do so is through donations."

According to Levinson, county offices have received numerous inquiries over the last several days from residents who are anxious to help in what promises to be a massive long-term recovery effort in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and Alabama.

Levinson also noted that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has requested that volunteers only report to affected areas if directed by a voluntary agency. Self-dispatched volunteers can put themselves and others in harm's way and hamper rescue efforts.

A list of voluntary organizations that are accepting donations is available on the FEMA Web site at: www.fema.gov. A link to this site is also available on the Atlantic County Web site at www.aclink.org.

"I appreciate the compassion and concern of our residents for those in need. Their generosity and outpouring of humanity will surely bring some comfort to Katrina's victims," said Levinson.

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County News