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Citizens Urged To Use Caution When Donating To Hurricane VictimsCurrituck County citizens who want to provide aid to Hurricane Katrina victims are encouraged to go through recognized disaster relief organizations when making donations. “There are many generous, giving people in our county who want to help,” said Stanley Griggs, Currituck County Emergency Management Director. “And there are a number of ways our citizens can volunteer. “Oftentimes, emergency crews aren’t prepared to accept contributions of donated goods in the first days and weeks following a natural disaster. What’s usually best is for individuals to contribute money.” Griggs said organizations such as the Salvation Army and American Red Cross do an excellent job in providing food, clothing, and other assistance to those in need. These organizations, and many others, also accept monetary donations which allow the professional relief organizations to purchase exactly what is most urgently needed by disaster victims. Citizens are urged, however, to use caution when making contributions. Unfortunately, not all organizations or individuals are legitimate, and some collect donations that are never passed on to hurricane victims. In addition, money given to recognized relief organizations is often tax deductible and allows supplies to be purchased in locations near the disaster site. This stimulates the economy and ensures relief supplies arrive as quickly as possible. “We’re encouraging those wishing to make donations to check with reputable organizations before donating supplies such as food or clothing,” said Griggs. Griggs suggests that individuals give only to organizations and individuals that they can verify are real. There are several churches and school groups in Currituck that are organizing relief efforts, and donating through one of these groups would be an acceptable way to give. According to Sandra Kinzel, Director of Communications for the Currituck County Schools, donations will be accepted at several upcoming school events including football games. For more information, call the Superintendent’s office at 232-2223. Those wishing to volunteer their services for clean up, health care, and others needs are strongly encouraged to go through a verified organization before doing so. Following a major natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina, it’s important that individuals who want to respond register in the proper manner. Any relief organization which uses volunteers will have a formal arrangement plan to utilize volunteers. Citizens in North Carolina who want to donate money to help with relief efforts can call the N.C. Disaster Hotline toll free at 1-888-835-9966 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The money that is collected will be sent to the other states to use for the immediate needs. The N.C. Helping Neighbors Fund is managed by the Governor’s Office in partnership with United Way of North Carolina. There is no administrative cost associated with the fund, and 100 percent of the donated funds will go to the victims. Make checks payable to the N.C. Helping Neighbors Fund and mail to:
For additional information on disaster relief efforts, or to learn about local volunteer opportunities, contact the Currituck County Emergency Management Department at 232-2115 or Currituck County Public Information. Contacts:
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