Jac Whatley, director for the Coosa Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross told AM 1180 Chattooga County Radio yesterday that the Red Cross is seeking monetary donations from area residents to aid the victims of Hurrican Ike. 

Whatley said that Hurricane Ike brought devastation to Texas and Louisiana.  American Red Cross volunteers from Georgia have already joined thousands more from across the nation to help meet the needs of millions of people who have been evacuated and may be left homeless or without power and resources for weeks to come.

Ike is the latest in a series of storms that have devastated families across the country.  The cost of providing relief will be high and, just half way through hurricane season, our Disaster Relief Fund is already depleted.  In addition to hurricane relief, including the Hurricane Gustav response still ongoing, the Red Cross has been challenged with a record number of tornadoes, the worst flooding in the Midwest in 15 years, and an early wildfire season.

During Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, the Red Cross has had over 296,000 overnight stays in shelters and served 1.5 million meals.  Nearly 900 shelters have been opened and operated during the last two weeks.

The Red Cross is launching a national fundraising campaign to raise $100 million for the Disaster Relief Fund; the goal in Georgia is $3 million.  The fund allows the Red Cross to help individuals and families meet their emergency needs, including food, shelter, and counseling. 

TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION, CONTACT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS TODAY. CALL 1-800-RED CROSS OR VISIT WWW-DOT-REDCROSS-DOT-ORG.