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Local agencies band together to help communities
For Immediate Release – United Way of North Central Massachusetts, the American Red Cross of North Central Massachusetts and The Salvation Army are working together to speed relief to the families affected by Hurricane Katrina.
The Salvation Army is prepared to serve up to 500,000 meals per day to residents and first responders in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina according to Captain Brian Peabody, who heads the Montachusett Corps based in Fitchburg.
“Several hundred volunteers, employees and Officers (ministers) are currently serving meals, distributing water and providing emotional and spiritual care. The Salvation Army will continue to work with emergency response authorities to meet the needs of the people,” noted Peabody.
According to Deanie M. Harris, executive director of the American Red Cross of North Central Massachusetts, 280 volunteers from the Northeast will join the aid effort, which includes volunteers from Leominster, Lunenburg, Fitchburg, and Winchendon.
“This is a very difficult hardship assignment,” said Ms. Harris. “These guys, they work 16 to 20-hour days for seven days straight.”
The American Red Cross, United Way and The Salvation Army have established relief funds for the victims. All three agencies are encouraging individuals and organizations to support the effort.
“All United Way funds will be allocated for both front-line disaster relief and long-term recovery needs, as determined by local United Ways in affected areas,” noted Phil Grzewinski, president of United Way of North Central Massachusetts.
Donations can be made to: The United Way Hurricane Katrina Response Fund via their website www.unitedway.org or credit card donations may also be made by calling 1-800-272-4630 or by mailing a check to United Way of North Central Massachusetts (payable to United Way of America), Attn: Katrina Fund, 285 John Fitch Hwy, Suite 1, Fitchburg, MA 01420-5998. Donations made through United Way of North Central Massachusetts will be forwarded to the relief fund and will receive periodical updates.
To give through The Salvation Army, donations can be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or mailed to The Salvation Army, Attn: Katrina Fund, 739 Water Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420-6479.
And donations to the American Red Cross can be made online at www.redcross.org or mailed to The American Red Cross, Leominster Chapter House, Attn: Disaster Relief Fund, 114 Merriam Avenue, Leominster, MA 01453.
The United Way of North Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Barre, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.
Leave a lasting legacy, remember the United Way of North Central Massachusetts in your will or estate plan.
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