[Press Release] : press release

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Boone County Chapter - American Red Cross - (573) 445-9411 or
Columbia/Boone County Emergency Management (573) 874-7400 M-F 8 a.m. to
5 p.m., (573) 874-7470 weekend and after 5 p.m.

Mid-Missouri responds to the victims of Hurricane Katrina 

COLUMBIA, MO (September 2, 2005) -- Many Mid-Missourians may be
wondering how they can help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Numerous
social services agencies in Boone County and Columbia have met to
discuss this issue and formulate a plan of action that citizens should
follow. 

Where can evacuees go in Mid-Missouri for assistance?
* A service center/shelter will be open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please
call the Boone County Chapter of the American Red Cross at 573-445-9411
for more information. 

How and what can people donate?
* The most immediate need is financial support. The best way to
assist is sending a check or money order to:

The American Red Cross/Boone County Chapter
1808 West Worley Street
Columbia, MO 65201
573-445-9411 (local contact)
1-800-HELPNOW
1800-435-7669
or
The Salvation Army
P.O. Box 1864
Columbia, MO 65205
573-442-3229 (local contact)
1-888-363-2769 Victim information line
1-800-SAL-ARMY
1-800-725-2769

* In addition all Walmart Stores and Sam's Clubs are accepting cash
donations on the behalf of all disaster relief agencies. 

* Although financial assistance is the preferred method of aid, if
you have food supplies you wish to donate, you may donate those items to
the Central Missouri Food Bank located at 2101 Vandiver Drive in
Columbia. The Food Bank will be closed this weekend and on Labor Day,
but will reopen Tuesday and are open from 8-5 daily, Monday through
Friday.

* Local and National Emergency Managers are discouraging people from
responding to and attempting to take supplies to the stricken area. Road
networks and distribution points are not equipped to handle these types
of donations. Please, do not attempt to go to the stricken areas to
provide help unless contacted by an official agency with specific
instructions.

What help is available to evacuees who arrive in Mid-Missouri?
* If people from the stricken areas arrive in the Columbia/Boone
County area, several social service agencies are prepared to provide
assistance. People coming into this area are encouraged to report to or
call the Boone County Chapter of the American Red Cross for shelter
locations and services available. The Boone County Chapter of the
American Red Cross is coordinating with local service agencies to
provide victims with the most assistance possible. 

When will more information be available?
* Further contact information will be provided to local media on
future activities planned to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina next
week as it becomes available. These activities may include health
screenings, mental health screenings, employment opportunities, and
assistance in filing for financial needs through the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA).

Please note: If you are contacted by a person in need of being rescued
in any part of the hurricane stricken area, please call the Office of
Emergency Management immediately at the numbers listed above.

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Archived press releases can be viewed online at: 
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/

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