American Red Cross Prepares to Respond to Tropical Storm Fay

    Members of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program Provide

Financial Support



    WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 /EMWNews/ -- As Tropical Storm Fay

continues to threaten the Florida Keys and western Florida, the Red Cross

has pre-positioned both people and supplies throughout the state. Florida

has more than 5,000 Red Cross volunteers, nearly 30 feeding trucks, a

strong warehouse system and a large stock of cots, blankets and other

supplies. Members of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program help

provide the funding to enable the Red Cross to prepare before disaster

strikes.



    The Red Cross has deployed thousands of ready-to-eat meals and cots and

dozens of Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs). Prior to Tropical Storm Fay

making landfall, the Red Cross is preparing its own shelters and supporting

other shelters that will be available for people needing to evacuate.

Strategically placed warehouses and chapters allow the Red Cross to set up

quickly in order to provide for the needs of those affected by storms and

hurricanes.



    "Donations from our Annual Disaster Giving Program members enable the

Red Cross to have lifesaving supplies in place before disaster strikes,"

said Jeffrey Towers, chief development officer at the American Red Cross.

"These funds, along with the support of the American public, are vital for

the Red Cross' ability to provide immediate relief to people affected by

disaster. We are grateful for these corporate donors' support."



    Annual Disaster Giving Program members pledge donations on an on-going

basis, in advance of major disasters, to help the Red Cross ensure an

immediate response to meet the needs of those affected by disasters of all

sizes, at no cost and regardless of income.



    Individuals can join the companies in the Annual Disaster Giving

Program in supporting the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and help provide

food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to the victims of thousands

of disasters across the country each year, disasters like Tropical Storm

Fay. Log on to http://www.redcross.org or call 1-800-HELP NOW to make a donation.



    Members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program:



    American Express



    AT&T



    AXA Foundation



    ConAgra Foods



    FedEx Corporation



    JCPenney Company Fund



    Kimberly-Clark Corporation



    Merck & Co, Inc.



    MorganStanley



    Raytheon Company



    State Farm



    State Street Foundation



    Target



    The TJX Companies, Inc.



    All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by

voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can

help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year,

disasters like Tropical Storm Fay, by making a financial gift to the

American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to

provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of

disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to

designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of

your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).

Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local

American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243,

Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution

by visiting http://www.redcross.org.