American Red Cross relief fund reaches 15-year low

The American Red Cross is asking for donations to its Disaster Relief Fund, which has reached its lowest level in 15 years following the severe weather and floodwaters from Tropical Storm Bill and this spring's rash of devastating tornadoes.

Coinstar, a national fund-raising partner of the Red Cross, has mobilized its nationwide network of supermarket-based machines to accept financial gifts in the form of loose change for the Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to those in need.

According to a release from the Red Cross, the organization is facing a financial crisis. As of June 30, the Disaster Relief Fund showed a cash balance of only $1.5 million. Since July 2002, the Red Cross has spent more than $85 million responding to disasters, but has received only $26 million in charitable support.

"The Red Cross has been committed to helping disaster victims for more than 120 years," said Terry Sicilia, executive vice president, American Red Cross Programs and Delivery. "We hope that with the financial support of the communities in which we serve, we will raise the much needed funds to ensure our ability to respond to disasters whenever and wherever they may strike."

The Red Cross does not receive funding from the government and provides disaster relief services through volunteer financial support. As the Red Cross continues to prepare for a potentially destructive hurricane season, it is important to replenish the Disaster Relief Fund. A comfortable threshold for the fund is $56 million, according to the Red Cross.

How to donate

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. Donations are being collected at Coinstar machines at local grocery stores across America. To find the nearest Coinstar machine, visit www.findcoin star.com. Information on how to help also can be obtained by calling 1-800-435-7669 or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).

Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to the local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, PO Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make secure online credit card donations by visiting www.redcross.org. The local office of the American Red Cross Disaster Services is at 1835 E. Chestnut Expwy.