Donation And Volunteer Hotline Available 

Release Date: October 6, 2003
Release Number: 1492-34

» More Information on Maryland Hurricane Isabel

Baltimore, MD -- Volunteers are desperately needed to help disaster victims clean up after Hurricane Isabel.

State and federal disaster officials are asking that individuals, work groups and skilled trades people contact the Donation and Volunteer Hotline at 1-877-868-4954 to offer their services. Some of the most urgent tasks requested are helping the elderly and others clean out, sanitize and salvage their flooded homes, and providing transportation to those who lost their vehicles in the storm.

The toll-free number, sponsored by the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, the Maryland Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will operate as a clearinghouse for agencies handling volunteer needs, and providing food and supplies, such as cleaning products, to those who suffered damage or losses during the storm.

Through a partnership with the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism, Marylanders who call the number will be matched with an agency that needs their skills. If they'd rather make a donation, the hotline volunteers have lists of urgently needed items to help in disaster recovery. Names of agencies accepting cash donations are also available through the hotline.

The Donation and Volunteer Hotline number is 1-877-868-4954 and is answered from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m., Saturday. It is closed on Sundays.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Monday, 06-Oct-2003 12:15:31