N.D. Red Cross asks for donations

American Red Cross Chapters across North Dakota are asking North Dakotans to help the 2008 hurricane victims by donating to the National Disaster Relief Fund in order to “Help us, Help them.”

The American Red Cross has launched a national fundraising campaign to raise an initial $100 million to fill the depleted Disaster Relief Fund with a goal for each state to achieve toward the $100 million — the state of North Dakota has a goal of $210,000.

“North Dakotans have always responded generously to support their neighbors during their time of need, and I urge all North Dakotans to join together and make a contribution to the Disaster Relief Fund today. No matter how small, every donation can change a life,” said Sherri Thomsen, regional executive director of the Min-Kota Chapter.

The Disaster Relief Fund allows the Red Cross to provide emergency assistance to help victims of disasters meet their immediate needs for food, shelter, counseling and other critical services. Since January 2008, Red Cross volunteers have responded to thousands of house fires and more than 60 large-scale disasters —including a record number of tornadoes, the worst flooding in the Midwest in 15 years, an early wildfire season, evacuating 1.9 million for Hurricane Gustav, the largest evacuation in U. S. history and an active hurricane season that is not over yet.

Expenses for Hurricane Gustav alone are estimated to be from $40 million to $70 million for the Red Cross and the organization has only raised a fraction of what is needed to support affected families. With Hurricane Ike expenses continuing to add up, the Red Cross is borrowing money to cover the costs of the hurricanes of 2008. Despite this, the Red Cross has not cut any of its services to disaster victims and does not expect to do so.

To make a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, people can send their donation to the local Chapter, 300 Second Ave. N.E. Suite 213, PO Box 944, Jamestown, ND 58402 or log on to www.redcross.org and designate National Disaster Relief Fund. People can also use their cell phones to donate $5 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by text messaging the keyword “GIVE” to “2HELP” (24357). Contributions will appear on monthly bills or be debited from a prepaid account balance. All applicable text rates apply.

Tags: redcross, donations, disasters, fundraising