American Red Cross Commits Initial $100 Million to Help Families

Contributions from Generous Americans Become Immediate Financial Support

Worcester, MA September 25, 2001 - Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, the American public responded with an outpouring of generosity, turning to the American Red Cross with donations of blood, time and money. The American Red Cross has now launched an unprecedented relief effort that includes an initial $100 million gift program to provide near-term financial assistance to families of people lost in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, including first responders. These gifts are being provided on behalf of the American Red Cross and the generous people of the United States, in support of the families and in remembrance of the thousands of people who were so tragically affected.

"This is an extraordinary disaster that requires extraordinary actions," said Lisa Piehler-Jones, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts. "The American Red Cross has a tremendous responsibility - to live up to the inspiration and memory of those lost. Although the recent tragedy has touched all of us, it has touched these families in a very personal way. It is with great pride that we carry out this obligation to serve the American people during this time of great need."

The immediate financial gifts will help families of victims with near-term financial needs such as mortgage or rent payments, utility bills, funeral and related expenses as well as for transportation, food, clothing and other time-sensitive and uncovered expenses. The gifts are being provided in the form of a tax-free grant. The first batch of checks was sent out on September 21. It is difficult for families to focus on emotional healing when they are faced with sudden financial uncertainty.

The Red Cross is working closely with companies and federal and local agencies who lost employees in the tragedies of September 11. In partnership with these groups we can get the grants quickly and early to families. Local individuals in need of assistance can visit or call the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts.

The American Red Cross is systematically contacting the families of those lost and coordinating with employers for verification. A simple one-page gift form is the only paperwork required, which is processed promptly with checks issued overnight. The forms can be done by phone, fax or electronically. Family members from Central Massachusetts are encouraged to contact the local Chapter at (508) 756-5711.

With the tireless dedication of almost 20,000 disaster relief workers, the Red Cross has also provided safe refuge for over 4,000 people in 76 shelters, served 1.6 million meals and snacks to survivors, emergency personnel and stranded travelers throughout the United States. Across the country, American Red Cross crisis, grieving and spiritual counselors have helped 30,000 people deal with the emotional trauma from the tragedies.

The American Red Cross is focusing on human needs in every community: providing support to rescue workers; maintaining the national blood supply so blood is available for every patient who needs it; mobilizing compassionate grief counseling and spiritual care; promoting the humanitarian principles - neutrality, unity, humanity; and preparing for the weeks and months ahead, particularly in the organization's role as auxiliary to the U.S. government under the Geneva Conventions. All financial contributions provided to the American Red Cross will be used for these humanitarian needs.

Also, to help the many thousands of people in New York City struggling to recover from the devastation caused by the terrorist attacks, the American Red Cross is setting up three warehouses stocked with needed supplies such as food, cleaning materials, batteries and more. Called "canteens," these facilities will help many people obtain needed supplies and whatever goods they need to aid their recovery. The American Red Cross is not seeking donations of supplies at this time.

Red Cross Armed Forces Services is expanding its work as troops are being mobilized, an established American Red Cross role for more than a century. As active duty military, Guardsmen and Reservists are separated from their families, the American Red Cross is providing around-the-clock worldwide emergency communication services, confidential counseling, access to financial assistance for military families in crisis, family support and other assistance.

How You Can Help:

American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided to people in need without charge. This is made possible by voluntary donations of time, money, and blood from the American people. To help provide support for people in need following this disaster as well as emerging needs resulting from this tragedy, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter, 61 Harvard Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

Your Location: Home : About Your Chapter : Press Releases : American Red Cross Commits Initial $100 Million to Help Families