August 31, 2005

Think locally to contribute to hurricane disaster relief

Several local organizations as well as national emergency management agencies are coordinating relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which struck the U.S. Gulf Coast earlier this week.

Damage from the storm is estimated to exceed $25 billion and has devastated the city of New Orleans as well as many other parts of the region.

The American Red Cross has volunteers working in the Gulf region and requests financial support for its efforts. Donations in cash, check or by credit card are now being accepted at 111 S. Seventh St., Lafayette. Contributors also can donate by credit card over the phone by calling (765) 742-6975, ext. 0, or online at the American Red Cross web site.

The Salvation Army is accepting money and in-kind donations, as well as volunteers. Donate by phone at (800) SAL-ARMY or by mail by sending checks earmarked "Hurricane Katrina relief" to 1110 Union St., Lafayette, IN 47904.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has requested cash donations but advised volunteers not to go directly to the affected areas unless directed there by a relief group. For information on how to volunteer and other organizations accepting donations, see the official release at FEMA News.

Writer: Chad Boutin, (765) 494-2081, cboutin@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Related Web sites:
Tippecanoe County Emergency Management

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