Contact: Barbara Riley
Saturday, August 30, 2008

MANCHESTER, NH – United States Senator John Sununu (R-NH) today (8/30) visited the Epsom Fire Station where the Lions Clubs International Foundation and the Lions of District 44-H provided aid vouchers to assist victims of last month’s tornado.

“Local, state, and federal officials have done a tremendous job helping the central part of our state recover from severe damage caused by the tornado and heavy winds and rain. Families are still hurting though, and the Lions Club effort is another great example of how volunteers can join together to help those in a time of need,” said Sununu. “The Lions and local businesses deserve our thanks for making sure residents have access to essential aid such food, water, infant supplies, prescription drugs, clothing, blankets, and medical supplies.”

Ed Lecius, a director of Lions Club International, said, “The theme of Lions Club International this year is ‘Making Miracles Happen.’ We’re hoping to help these folks get back on their feet and back to the quality of life that they deserve.”

Sununu stopped by the Epsom Fire Station on Saturday morning (8/30) where vouchers were issued through local businesses to aid residents of tornado-damaged communities in Belknap, Carroll, Merrimack, Rockingham, and Strafford counties.

On Friday, July 25, Sununu visited storm-damaged areas with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) New England Administrator Art Cleaves, and also on Saturday, August 2 with Governor John Lynch, Senator Judd Gregg, and local and state officials. Sununu strongly supported the Governor’s request for individual and public federal assistance for the region and personally spoke with FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison on the need to cover Strafford and Merrimack Counties with public assistance.

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