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State of Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Office of Public Affairs P.O. Box 5800, Camp Denali Fort Richardson, Alaska 99505-5800 (907) 428-6031 Fax 428-6035 |
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State of Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Office of Public Affairs P.O. Box 5800, Camp Denali Fort Richardson, Alaska 99505-5800 (907) 428-6031 Fax 428-6035 |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | September 18, 2001 |
IN-KIND DONATIONS EXCEED HANDLING CAPACITY
Generosity noted; would-be donors asked to send money only; no more storage space available for goods, food
CAMP DENALI, Alaska ---
Donated supplies, food, and clothing have poured in from all parts of the world to New York City and Washington, D.C. – the areas affected by last week’s National tragedy. While the offers are deeply appreciated, the collection agencies can no longer process or store additional donated items.In a letter to Governor Knowles, Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Joe Allbaugh stated, "the most efficient and effective means for citizens or businesses to support relief efforts is through monetary donations to voluntary organizations."
The New York State Emergency Management Office reconfirmed this statement in a letter to Alaska Division of Emergency Services Director Dave Liebersbach. "No volunteers or donations of equipment, goods and other items are needed at this time . . . the tragedies of TWA Flight 800 and Oklahoma City have taught us that the long-term needs of families have paramount importance."
Donations management is always a large undertaking during disasters or emergencies. Receiving, storing and distributing in-kind donations, especially of the magnitude seen this past week in New York and Washington, D.C., can be a large strain on available rescue and response workers. Monetary donations, however, are quicker to process and can be used to supply items specifically needed. Also, the funds can be spent locally, thereby assisting and supporting neighborhood businesses.
The victims, families, friends, and rescue workers from these horrific events have been sincerely touched and are very grateful for the donations they have received. Much of the donations have been put to good use to aid those in need. Now, they are asking for monetary donations to help carry them through the rest of their recovery process.
Following is a list of nationally recognized non-profit organizations accepting financial contributions for the relief efforts:
American Red Cross:
Victim Information – Call your local Red Cross Chapter
Spanish Information Line – 1-800-257-7575
Blood Donation – 1-800-448-3543
Financial Contributions – 1-800-HELP-NOW
Volunteer Medical Services – 1-800-801-8092
General Services – 1-518-431-7600
United Way:
United Way September 11th Fund – 1-212-251-4035
Salvation Army:
Financial Contributions – 1-800-SAL-ARMY
International Aid:
International assistance can be coordinated through 202-646-2428
New York State:
New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund – 1-800-801-8092
(or by mail at: P.O. Box 5028, Albany, NY 12205)
Credit card donations are also being accepted on their website at www.state.ny.us
Governor of Virginia:
Victims seeking assistance or anyone wishing to offer assistance or gather information on the recent terrorist incidents in New York or at the Pentagon can call this number established by the Virginia Governors Office:
Terrorism Victims helpline – 1-866-827-3543
* Individuals may also contact their local places of worship for additional donation information.
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