Local Agencies Release Guidelines For Helping Evacuees

The El Paso Red Cross continues to ask El Pasoans to make either monetary donations via the website or taking donations directly to a drop-off point.

Additionally, the Salvation Army of El Paso is also asking that donations be taken directly to their offices at 4300 E. Paisano. Both the Red Cross and the Salvation Army are asking residents not to take any supplies or donations downtown, as it will hinder the process of helping the evacuees.

The American Red Cross is asking for financial donations to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. El Pasoans can make financial contributions by:

• Mailing a check to the El Paso Area Chapter of the American Red Cross at P.O. Box 972236, El Paso, TX 79997-2236

• Dropping by the chapter at 3620 Admiral Street

• Visiting the web site at redcrosselpaso.org

• Making a donation at any Howdy’s location throughout El Paso and Las Cruces.

• All those interested in raising funds to support the Red Cross relief effort to Hurricane Katrina should contact the chapter at 592-0208 to obtain guidance.

• Calling (800) HELP NOW or (800) 257-7575 (for Spanish)

People seeking information about relatives in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina through the Salvation Army’s Emergency Radio Network can call (800) SAL-ARMY or may register an inquiry online at www.satern.org

Monetary donations for the Salvation Army’s relief efforts are being accepted at:

• The Salvation Army, at 4300 E. Paisano

• Wal-Mart and Sam’s stores

School efforts

• Montwood Middle School is conducting a food, clothing and money drive and is organizing a Hurricane Relief Concert for Sept. 9.

• Sun Ridge Middle and Lujan-Chavez Elementary, administrators will paint their hair red, white and blue if the campuses raise $1,500 by Sept. 16.

• H.D. Hilley students are collecting coins for the American Red Cross through Sept. 7

•Horizon Heights Elementary School will have a blood drive at the campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 16.

•Transfers to UTEP: Students from the El Paso area enrolled at colleges and universities in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina may take classes this semester at the University of Texas at El Paso, officials said Thursday. Information: 747-5151.

The Texas attorney general’s office, the Better Business Bureau and the Catholic Diocese of El Paso are warning the public about fraudulent charities seeking donations in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

“There is a fraudulent telephone operation under way seeking donations of $50 or more for relief for hurricane victims,†said the Rev. John Stowe, moderator of the Curia/vicar general for the Catholic Diocese of El Paso.

“The callers claim that they represent Catholic relief efforts. The only legitimate hurricane relief sponsored by the Catholic Church is through Catholic Charities USA, which uses mail solicitation and collections in church.â€

If people receive such calls or have any questions, they can call Stowe at 872-8407.

The Better Business Bureau also recommends potential donors visit www.give.org to access detailed evaluative reports on many of the relief organizations providing assistance.