Northeast Continues to Care for
Hurricane Katrina's Victims
News Release: September 5, 2005
Contact: John R. Hughes, Executive Director (610) 865-4400, ext. 236

American Red Cross disaster relief operations in response to Hurricane Katrina continue to expand in the Gulf States and around the country. More than 4,000 American Red Cross disaster workers from across America have been deployed to the affected area, with 614 coming from the Northeast. In addition, thousands of Red Cross workers in local chapters across the country are training new volunteers, processing donations and answering phone calls. "Literally hundreds of people in the Lehigh Valley have continued calling and coming in throughout the holiday weekend with offers of volunteering to work in the disaster, taking evacuees into their homes and making donations to the relief effort," stated John Hughes, Executive Director of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter.

In the first 48 hours of operation approximately 75,000 people registered on the American Red Cross Family Links Registry, a web site and hotline assisting family members seeking news about loved ones living in the path of Hurricane Katrina. Evacuees wishing to inform loved ones of their location can register their name by clicking on "Family Links Registry" on www.redcross.org. Concerned family members can register the names of their loved ones and view the list of those already posted. Due to the extent of the damage and the number of people displaced, concerned friends and family members are encouraged to visit the site daily to consult the list, as it will be updated continuously. You can visit the "Family Links Registry" via www.redcross.org or call 1-877-LOVED-1S to register.

To date, $302 million dollars has been donated to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. To make a contribution call 1-800-HELP-NOW or www.redcross.org. If you wish you make you donation locally you can reach the Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter at 610-865-4400, on line at www.redcrosslv.org or at 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem, PA 18017.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 20,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.