|
Collaboration Key to Hurricane Katrina Response
Lesly C. Simmons, Staff Writer, RedCross.org
Saturday, September 03, 2005 — As one of the largest non-profit organizations in the world, the American Red Cross responds to disasters in the United States and around the world every day. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Red Cross is launching one of its largest responses ever to a national disaster, and it’s still not enough to support the needs of all the evacuees who have been forced from their homes.
“The American spirit is alive and well in the heart of people who are helping the Red Cross and all of these organizations,” said Deborah Daley, Red Cross spokesperson.
A temporary resident of the Houston Astrodome posts a note on the message board.
(Photo Credit: Daniel Cima/American Red Cross) |
Across the country people have been supporting the Red Cross and hundreds of other organizations who are providing relief to Katrina victims. While the Red Cross focuses on providing immediate services including food, clothing and shelter, other groups are handling aspects of the operation like medical support or mental health services.
If you are interested in providing specialized help, consider supporting some of these organizations:
- To assist with animal rescue, contact the the Humane Society of the United States or the American Humane Association for more information.
- To assist with efforts for feeding, contact Second Harvest. Companies, manufacturers or retailers wanting to donate a full truckload of dry storage product, can call 1-800-771-2303 and ask for Second Harvest’s Food Sourcing Department.
- If you or your organization, agency, or corporation has resources that may be made available to the response agencies, you can register with the National Emergency Resource Center.
This little boy settles into the Houston Astrodome after a long ride from New Orleans.
(Photo Credit: Daniel Cima/American Red Cross) |
- If you are a medical professional interested in volunteering with Katrina relief efforts, please call
1-866-KAT-MEDI for information.
- Corporations may sponsor a load of goods and the shipping costs through Convoy of Hope. Businesses can sponsor the shipping of a load, and individuals can make a donation to assist the organization’s response to Hurricane Katrina.
- If you would like to learn more about water clean up efforts, contact Water Missions International.
- If you are a search and rescue professional and would like to volunteer your services in Mississippi, contact the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Search and Rescue Support at 601-360-0937 to receive credentials. Only proper credentials will permit travel past roadblocks.
To learn more about additional resources and relief efforts, visit www.usafreedomcorps.gov.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Midwest ice storms, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
|
