Over $11,500 is Donated in Two Days to Local Red Cross for International Relief Efforts
News Release: December 29, 2004
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
In just two days, the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley has received $11,539 in financial gifts -- ranging from $10 to $2,000 -- in support of relief efforts in southern Asia.
“There is a tremendous outpouring of support from the public for victims of this disaster,” said Mel Carpino, director of development and community affairs for the local chapter. “We went from zero [dollars] to over $11,500 in just two days. The average financial gift is $330, which is just incredible. The Lehigh Valley community has expressed great compassion for the nearly one million people affected by this massive disaster.”
Donations were received by phone, mail, the Internet and in person at the Red Cross office. One gentleman drove from Bloomsbury, N.J., to personally deliver his gift. Much to the organization’s surprise, two online donations came from California and one came from Illinois.
Donations will allow the purchase of much-needed relief items directly in the region, eliminating the costs of shipping and transport from the United States.
When disasters like this strike, whether domestically or internationally, people want to help and often offer individual and/or collections of goods or in-kind items to show their support for the victims. However, the Red Cross does not have the capacity to accept or collect, and does not actively solicit individual or collections of in-kind donations in times of disasters. The best way to help those affected is to make a contribution to a disaster relief organization like the American Red Cross.
Information about U.S. citizens living or traveling in the southern Asia region may be obtained by calling the U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747. To date, the local Chapter received one call from an individual seeking information on the whereabouts of a relative and was referred to the U.S. Department of State. The American Red Cross urges the public to continue to try contacting loved ones through normal means of communication. Keep in contact with relatives who may live close to, but outside the affected area.
The American Red Cross has an adequate response capacity with bilingual, internationally-experienced relief workers, and does not anticipate requiring further assistance from volunteers for this disaster. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact the local chapter for volunteer opportunities now and in the future.
For the latest information on this tragedy and the ongoing response, visit www.redcross.org.
You can help those affected by this crisis and countless others around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance, and other support to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or the local Red Cross at (610) 865-4400. Contributions regarding this disaster may be sent to the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem, PA 18017 or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org or www.redcrosslv.org.
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