Donations For Hurricane Victims Are Needed 

Release Date: September 10, 2008
Release Number: HQ-08-195

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging people who want to help victims of the recent storms to make donations through voluntary organizations that are active in the ongoing disaster operations.

"Financial contributions are needed to support relief activities for Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Hanna, recovery activities for the Midwest floods and Tropical Storms Dolly and Fay, and in preparation for Hurricane Ike. We need the goodwill of citizens in every community to best support those that have been affected," says Diana Rothe-Smith, Executive Director of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), a membership organization of disaster relief and recovery nonprofit and faith based organizations.

Those who wish to provide assistance to support disaster relief efforts are encouraged to contact the voluntary agency of their choice that they may normally contribute to in times of disaster. For those who don't know who to reach, they can provide financial support, donate needed product or donate time and skills through the National Donations Management Network at www.fema.gov/donations. The network is a Web-based portal through which individuals and the private sector can offer their support to the voluntary organizations that are actively engaged in ongoing disasters.

"Monetary donations to faith-based and community-based non-profit organizations responding to disasters are the best choice for helping those affected by these storms," said John Kim Cook, FEMA director of the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. "During this disaster as in others before it, so many Americans and so many faith-based and community-based non-profits have offered their support to their fellow Americans, both in donating goods and services and in volunteering their time. Those who wish to provide donations or volunteer their time to support disaster relief efforts are encouraged to contact the voluntary agency of their choice, such as a faith-based or community organization."

For information on the voluntary agencies that play a vital role in disaster recovery, visit the National VOAD site at www.NVOAD.org.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Thursday, 11-Sep-2008 17:18:22