Red Cross seeks donors for disaster fund

The Georgia Red Cross kicked off a campaign Thursday to infuse $3 million into the American Red Cross’s ailing disaster relief fund. The fund allows the agency to provide emergency assistance during natural disasters such as the tornadoes that ravaged Bibb County this spring, as well as hurricanes Gustav and Ike and severe Midwest flooding.

Because 2008 has been a record year for disasters nationwide and donations have not kept pace, the Red Cross launched an initial $100 million national fundraising campaign in September to help replenish the Disaster Relief Fund by the end of the year, according to a press release from the Red Cross. The success of Georgia’s Campaign, led by Home Depot chairman and CEO Frank Blake, will affect the national goal.

The Georgia Disaster Campaign Cabinet plans to solicit financial contributions from large corporate donors and foundations in Georgia, and has already received pledges of $1.9 million, according to the press release.

The non-profit also seeks individual donations. To donate: Mail a check payable to the Disaster Relief Fund to the Central Georgia Chapter, 195 Holt Ave., Macon, GA 31201. Or call 1-800-HELP-NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) to donate by phone.