American Mobilization Effort for Hurricane Katrina

The American Red Cross is launching the largest mobilization of resources in its history for a single natural disaster.

It has mobilized thousands of volunteers to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which ripped apart thousands of lives and left many homeless last week. They are sheltering thousands and providing care and comfort to those affected.

The Red Cross has the same problems with communication as the general public. The Red Cross does not have information on the wellbeing of any individuals. Phone lines are being overwhelmed with calls, and the Red Cross appreciates the desire to know how people fared during the storm. Medical and government officials will contact families in serious cases if necessary. Please remain patient and help keep phone lines open for emergencies only.

The best way to help is by making an online contribution to the Disaster Relief Fund at www.redcross.org or send your donation to the American Red Cross P.O. Box 249 Anacortes, WA 98221 and designate it to Hurricane Katrina by writing in the Memo portion of your check. You can also stop by the Anacortes San Juan Islands chapter located at 2900 T Avenue Suite A Anacortes, WA or call 1-800-HELP-NOW.

Our local Red Cross chapter is encouraging those who want to volunteer to help in the relief effort to call its office at (360) 293-2911 and it can provide the necessary training to deploy you to one of the disaster relief operations. The local chapter currently has 14 National Disaster Volunteers in our area, and so far 10 are scheduled for deployment. If you are interested in volunteering, the minimum requirement for this disaster response is 10 days.

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