$83,500 Pours into Chapter for Tsunami Relief Efforts
News Release: January 11, 2005
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
From a folded dollar bill to a $10,000 check, Lehigh Valley residents have spontaneously donated $83,500 to date (1/11) to the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley to support the tsunami relief efforts.
“We’re heartened by the enthusiastic and spontaneous generosity that our community has shown for the relief efforts,” said Executive Director John Hughes. “The $83,500 donated to our office is just a fraction of the giving picture here in the Lehigh Valley. Hundreds of residents, no doubt, donated directly online to American Red Cross or called the 800-number.
“In addition, there are thousands in the Lehigh Valley who are currently contributing through organized efforts at their workplace, place of worship, school and through spontaneous fund-raising events.”
Nationally, the American public, along with corporations and foundations, have already pledged $160.7 million to the American Red Cross relief efforts in Asia.
The American Red Cross estimates that it will spend approximately $400 million providing relief to those affected by the Dec. 26 tsunami in Asia and Africa. This two-phased plan calls for immediate emergency relief and long-term response over the months and years to come.
For the immediate assistance stage, the American Red Cross will focus on four main areas: food distribution, vaccination and health, relief supplies, and water and sanitation. During the multi-year long-term response stage, the focus will be providing food and preventing disease, along with working to better prepare communities for future disasters.
You can help those affected by this crisis by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance, and other support to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Donations can also be mailed to the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem, PA 18017 or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make secure online credit card donations by visiting http://www.redcross.org or www.redcrosslv.org.
