Lakewood Response to Hurricane Katrina

[Thomas J. George]

Many of you have been in contact with City Hall regarding our community response to the tragic situation in the Gulf Coast.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors sent a fax to my office with the following information from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency):

Washington, D.C.-Voluntary organizations are seeking cash donations to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina in Gulf Coast states, according to Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. But volunteers should NOT report directly to the affected areas unless directed by a volunteer agency.

"CASH DONATIONS are especially helpful to victims," said Brown. "They allow volunteer agencies to issue cash vouchers to victims so they can meet their needs. Cash donations also allow agencies to avoid the labor-intensive need to store, sort, pack and distribute donated goods. Donated money prevents, too, the prohibitive cost of air or sea transportation that donated goods require."

"We're grateful for the outpouring of support already," Brown said. "But it's important that volunteer response is COORDINATED by the professionals who can direct volunteers with the appropriate skills to the hardest-hit areas where they are needed most."

As FEMA is strongly urging cash donations rather than food or supplies at this time, those organizations accepting cash donations include:

American Red Cross 1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669)
Catholic Charities (703)549-1390
Lutheran Disaster Response 1-800-638-3522
Salvation Army 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
United Methodist Committee on Relief 1-800-554-8583

At City Hall we are considering several measures to assist Katrina victims, including sending City personnel to the affected areas. Again, it is important that we work with other agencies in a COORDINATED fashion.

Thank you Lakewood for your continued generosity and support to those in need.

TJG