In conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Montana Disaster and Emergency Services, Gov. Judy Martz wants Montanans to realize that contributing money to the disaster situation right now is considerably more beneficial than donating tangible items.
"As with any disaster, donations of food, clothing and even human resources are difficult to manage," Martz said. "However, monetary
donations can be utilized immediately to provide the necessary items identified by those who understand the current situation."
According to Joe Allbaugh, director of FEMA, even volunteers could hamper the response efforts. "Ask them to be patient and not show up on their own. Because of the immensity of the tragedy in New York, we must carefully and methodically allocate our resources so that we don't aggravate an already difficult situation."
Here are some ways to help out in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the United States:
New York's Donation Coordination Center (800) 801-8092.
American Red Cross For victim information, call your local Red Cross chapter. For information about blood donations, call (800) 448-3543. To make financial contributions, call (800) HELP-NOW. To volunteer medical services, call (800) 801-8092. To make bulk donations, call (800) IN-KIND. The Bears Paw District will hold its blood drawing on Oct. 3. Call 265-6653 to schedule an appointment if desired.
Carol Gabrielson of Havre is selling handmade pins for $2, and taking additional donations. All of the proceeds will go to the Red Cross. The pins are available at the Carousel in the Atrium, or call 265-3006.
Members of the Hill County Tavern Association are selling red, white and blue ribbons for $1 and taking additional donations, all of which will be split between the Red Cross and the New York Firefighters 911 Fund.
The Havre VFW will hand out American flag placards and accept donations for the Red Cross on Saturday.
United Way September 11th Fund (212) 251-4035
Salvation Army To make financial contributions, call (800) SAL-Army.
Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund. To make donations, call (303) 933-7580
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Call (800) 959-4325 to make donations.
Church World Service To make donations, call (800) 297-1516 #222.
Nazarene Disaster Response call (888) 256-5886
International Aid International assistance can be coordinated through (202) 646-2428.
