Delta Pledges $1 Million in Cash, In-Kind Support for Japan Disaster Relief

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) is pledging $1 million in cash and in-kind support to disaster relief efforts in Japan following last week's devastating earthquake and tsunami. The airline's efforts are centered on two relief programs:

American Red Cross and Japanese Red Cross Society – The Delta Air Lines Foundation, Delta's company-managed giving system, is providing an immediate $250,000 cash donation to the Japanese Red Cross Society to support rescue and recovery efforts. This donation will be supplemented by cash contributions from Delta customers and employees who are encouraged to donate via a dedicated Delta-Red Cross website. Donations made at this site will be routed directly to the Japanese Red Cross Society's efforts to assist persons in affected areas. These donations are in addition to Delta's long-standing agreement with the American Red Cross to provide complimentary cargo and passenger capacity, if needed, to help move relief supplies and workers to and from disaster areas around the world.

SkyWish Asia – Delta has committed to match up to 5 million miles against customers' donations to World Vision Japan through its SkyWish Asia program. Delta customers are encouraged to visit the SkyWish Asia website where they can donate miles to World Vision Japan to help transport relief workers and supplies to Japan. World Vision has worked in Japan for more than two decades. In the wake of a disaster, World Vision is often one of the first organizations to begin relief work by distributing pre-positioned supplies.

In addition to the immediate $250,000 cash donation to the Japanese Red Cross Society and the up to 5 million mile donation to World Vision Japan, Delta will supplement any employee and customer contributions with additional cash, if needed, to fulfill its $1 million pledge.

Delta's Japan-based employees also are receiving any needed assistance through a nonprofit organization led and funded by Delta people known as the Delta Employee & Retiree Care Fund. Delta employees donate directly to this fund via payroll deduction or via their internal employee website. Donations will be used to assist any Delta employee in Japan seeking assistance in the wake of last week's events.

"Japan is a core part of our global network and we are committed to finding ways to help those in need following last week's devastating earthquake," said Vinay Dube, senior vice president – Asia-Pacific. "Delta's 1,200 employees in Japan, backed by the support of 80,000 worldwide, are rallying together to do what we can to make a difference and we encourage our customers to join us by donating money or miles to our dedicated charities."

Due to stringent international security and customs requirements, Delta can only accept relief cargo shipments through pre-approved relief organizations including the American Red Cross. At this time, the Red Cross has requested monetary donations. Customers wishing to contribute in other ways should clear these requests through the Red Cross.

Delta is the largest U.S.-based airline in Japan with more than 40 peak-day departures from four airports – Tokyo-Narita, Tokyo-Haneda, Nagoya and Osaka. The company employs more than 1,200 people in Japan and operates an international flight hub at Tokyo's Narita International Airport.

Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 356 destinations in 65 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry's leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline's service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, the world's largest airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Delta is investing more than $2 billion through 2013 in airport facilities and global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.

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Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Too! Collecting Supplies for Shipment to Haiti

/PRNewswire/ -- Atlanta-based Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Too! (www.fodac.org), is coordinating a community effort over the next two weeks to provide much-needed non-perishable medical supplies and relief items to the victims of Haiti's recent earthquake. FODAC is collecting blankets, crutches, walkers, orthotic braces, wheelchairs, bandages, medical gloves, etc. at the organization's warehouse in Stone Mountain, Ga. The items will be shipped to Haiti within the next few weeks.

FODAC is partnering with Portlight Strategies of Charleston, S.C., (www.portlight.org) and the Weather Underground (www.wunderground.com) to ship and distribute the items. Thanks to funding from the Weather Underground, Portlight Strategies already has staff in Haiti to coordinate the distribution effort, as well as a truck packed with supplies, en route to Haiti now by ship.

"FODAC provides over $8 million worth of home health mobility and daily living equipment each year to people with disabilities or injuries," said Chris Brand, executive director of FODAC. "Most of the equipment we provide to children and adults consists of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and other mobility devices. However, we have a number of items such as manual hospital beds, medical supplies and extra crutches and walkers that we stockpile for international relief efforts. A disaster like an earthquake leaves countless victims with broken bones and other mobility injuries. We have the equipment to donate. All we needed was a way to get it to Haiti."

FODAC owns a 64,800 square-foot warehouse at 4900 Lewis Road in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Donors may drop off supplies between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday through Feb. 6. Directions to the warehouse may be found at http://www.fodac.org/clients/directions.php.

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Students raise money, collect items for Haiti earthquake victims

Georgia State University students are pitching in to help the victims of this week’s devastating earthquake in Haiti.

Members of the Georgia State Volleyball Team, for example, collected nearly $1,000 in just over 90 minutes from fellow students in the campus Library Plaza on Thursday. Assistant coach Ada Bazin, who encouraged the team to get involved in relief efforts, delivered the donation to the Metro Atlanta Red Cross chapter in midtown Red Cross Friday morning.

“I was overwhelmed by the amount of giving there was on campus,” Bazin said. “Students were stopping and digging in their wallets and pockets for anything they could give. That was truly amazing. I think this tragedy has pulled at a lot of heart strings and we all hear the call for help in Haiti.”

Georgia State’s Haitian Student Association is also collecting funds for Yele Haiti and tangible household items such as clothing and toiletries that will be sent to the island community through a local Haitian church. Collection boxes can be found around campus.

The two-year-old Haitian Student Association, which is the only one in the state of Georgia, has about 70 members, some of whom are personally affected by the disaster, said president Rodney Alfred.

“We’re trying to do all we can to help,” he said.

GSU also has six citizens of Haiti who are currently enrolled, three of whom are Fulbright scholars in public health. All international students from Haiti were contacted by phone within 24 hours of the disaster and were invited to make use of various campus support services, including the University Counseling Center, said Heather Housley, GSU director of International Student & Scholar Services.

“The university is very concerned about our Haitian students and their families and is helping as much as possible during this difficult time for their country,” Housley said. “We're continuing to connect with the students, to share resources and information as it becomes available and to assist the Haitian Student Association in their relief efforts as well.”

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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation Donates $25,000 to Red Cross for Flood Relief Efforts in Georgia

/PRNewswire/ -- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation LLC has donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross for the Georgia Flood Relief Effort.

Strong storms and continued rains in Georgia have caused widespread flooding and damage throughout metro Atlanta and its surrounding areas - with more than 17 of its counties declared 'disaster areas,' including Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker. Staff from the American Red Cross has been working relentlessly in all the affected counties, providing assistance to those impacted by the storms.

"Our hearts and thoughts go out to those affected by the storms and flooding," said Monye Connolly, president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia. "These victims are our friends, family and neighbors. Our Foundation is pleased to be able to provide this donation to help them get back on their feet, and we thank the Red Cross for all they are doing for our communities."

The funds will be used by the Red Cross to provide support and assistance to victims of the storms including: food, shelter and clothing; home clean up assistance; temporary housing; emergency medical assistance, such as prescription medication replacement, and help with eyeglass, denture, hearing aid replacement; and mental health services.

"We thank the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation for their generous donation which will greatly assist our Georgia Flood Relief Effort," said Tim English, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross, Metro Atlanta Chapter. "When disasters strike the generosity of donors and volunteers can make all the difference. I am pleased to count the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation as a leader in our relief effort."

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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Donates $10,000 to Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless for Flood Relief Efforts in Georgia

/PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) today announced it is donating $10,000 to Hosea Feed the Hungry (HFTH) for the Georgia Flood Relief Effort. In addition, BCBSGA associates are collecting canned goods throughout the week to provide immediate support to families who have been either temporarily or permanently displaced from their homes.

Strong rains over the course of the past week in Georgia have caused widespread flooding and damage, leaving many families without even the most basic of essentials. HFTH's staff has been actively packaging and dispensing boxes of food items and hygiene kits to individuals and families in need throughout the metro Atlanta area and its surrounding counties.

"Our hearts go out to those affected by the storms and resulting flooding," said Monye Connolly, president of BCBSGA. "As a company, we are committed to making a difference in our communities, but as individuals, we have a responsibility to help others in need be they friends, family or complete strangers. BCBSGA and its associates are pleased to provide support to HFTH and all it does for the community, not only during times of disaster, but year-round."

The funds will be used for disaster relief as well as for direct services and intensive case management for the clients HFTH currently serves, many who are also flood victims. HFTH will be celebrating its 40th year of helping the working poor and others as it kicks off the upcoming holiday season - from its annual Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday and Easter feasts, serving thousands of hungry Atlantans, to its daily dispensation of goods and human services to the needy in the Southeast and around the world.

"The recent storms have exacerbated an already critical situation because of the economy, and BCBSGA's support of HFTH and within the Atlanta community speaks volumes to its charitable giving," said HFTH's executive director, Elisabeth Omilami. "HFTH's financial contributions are down 35 percent, while calls for help from the community have increased 45 percent. The generosity of donors and volunteers can make all the difference during this critical time, and I am thrilled to have the continued support of BCBSGA and its associates in our relief efforts."

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Target Donates $100,000 to Georgia Flood Relief

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Target today announced its commitment to provide $100,000 in cash and product donations to support flood relief efforts in northwest Georgia. Target is working closely with local relief agencies, including The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross, as well as emergency responders, to offer assistance throughout the region.

As part of this commitment, $10,000 in Target GiftCards will be given to teachers and students at Clarkdale Elementary School in Austell, Ga. The school was evacuated after prolonged rains caused the Sweetwater Creek to overflow, nearly submerging the school and devastating homes in the surrounding area.

Leaders from local Target Stores will present the GiftCards, which will be used to purchase basic necessities for teachers and students affected by the flood, to school officials at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, at Austell Intermediate School, which is located at 5423 Meadows Road in Powder Springs, Ga.

In addition to its donation to Clarkdale Elementary, Target is providing the following items to assist in flood relief efforts throughout northwest Georgia:

* 3,000 food relief kits (which include items such as granola bars, tuna and other food items), and 3,000 toiletry relief kits (which include toothpaste, a toothbrush, body wash or bar soap, hand sanitizer and deodorant) were given to The Salvation Army of Atlanta. The kits were distributed by Target and The Salvation Army volunteers last weekend.
* 4,500 food relief kits will be given to assist in the American Red Cross relief efforts.
* Five pallets of water were distributed to emergency responders.
* Financial donations will also be made to the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army.

“We extend our thoughts of comfort and hope to all who have been impacted by these floods, including the students of Clarkdale Elementary School,” said Laysha Ward, president, Community Relations, Target. “We appreciate the tremendous work being done by relief agencies in this area.”

Target stores throughout the region remain open for business and stocked with disaster supplies such as rain gear, batteries, water, plastic storage totes and cleaning supplies.

Target will continue to work with local relief agencies and emergency responders to assist with disaster relief needs and clean-up efforts in the region.

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The Home Depot Foundation Donates $100,000 in Atlanta Flood Clean Up and Rebuilding Effort

/PRNewswire/ -- The Home Depot Foundation and associates from The Home Depot(R) are joining in the relief efforts in the aftermath of the floods that have caused significant damage throughout the Metro Atlanta area this week. The Home Depot Foundation has committed $100,000 in donations, with $50,000 going to the American Red Cross for immediate emergency disaster assistance and another $50,000 to go to the longer term rebuilding process.

"Many neighborhoods were deeply affected by severe flooding this week, and we want to contribute to their immediate needs through the American Red Cross," said Kelly Caffarelli, president of The Home Depot Foundation. "But we also know that repairing the damage will be a long process for homeowners, business and communities. That's why we will also support the longer-term efforts by investing in organizations that will rebuild these homes and communities in a healthy, sustainable way."

Several local Home Depot stores have already been involved in emergency relief efforts through product donations to local cities. These donations have included tarps, wet patch roof cement, bottled water and buckets.

"We have almost 20,000 associates who live and work throughout the Atlanta area, so this is a very personal effort for all of us," said Caffarelli. "Store associates are already planning Team Depot volunteer events to help their communities clean up and get back on their feet. We are ready to roll up our sleeves to help our associates, neighbors and customers."

"People helping people are at the heart of our humanitarian mission," said Timothy M. English, regional CEO for the American Red Cross in North Georgia. "When good neighbors partner with the Red Cross to make disaster relief possible, it not only helps the families who are affected, it strengthens entire communities."

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Flooding in Fargo: World Vision Sending Supplies and Staff to Help Affected Families

/PRNewswire / -- Amid historic flooding in Fargo, North Dakota, Christian relief organization World Vision is dispatching an initial truckload of emergency supplies and sending staff to assess the needs of affected families.

"It's devastating for children and families to see their homes flooded and be forced to evacuate. But with this historic disaster happening on top of the economic downturn, people are going to be hurting even more," said Phyllis Freeman, World Vision's director for domestic disaster response.

"World Vision is especially concerned about children, lower-income families and families already struggling in this recession," said Freeman. "We will be working with local churches and community organizations to make sure the most vulnerable people don't fall through the cracks."

The agency's first shipment will leave Seattle on Tuesday and arrive at World Vision's Storehouse in the Twin Cities on Thursday. World Vision is shipping cleaning supplies that will help more than 150 families to combat dangerous black mold and other hazards once they are able to return to their homes. World Vision also plans to supply hygiene kits, paper towels, women's clothing and trash bags. For children who have been affected, the organization is providing soccer balls, board games, coloring books, baby clothing, backpacks, school supplies, stuffed animals and shoes.

The organization will work with its network of community and church partners to distribute the supplies to those who have been affected in and around Fargo.

"Recovery is going to take time, even after it's safe for these families to return," Freeman said. "Families that have had their homes heavily flooded will need to shovel out mud, wash down the walls, bleach everything, and possibly rip out drywall," she added.

Cash donations are needed to help with the response. The public can help by calling 1.888.56.CHILD or visiting www.worldvision.org and giving to the American Families Assistance Fund.

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Pentagon Delivers Nearly 100 Tons of Supplies to Battered Burma

The U.S. military has flown nearly 100 tons of humanitarian relief supplies into Burma to assist its cyclone-stricken people, a senior Pentagon official said here today.
Today, five more plane loads of relief supplies were delivered by U.S. military aircraft as part of Joint Task Force Caring Response, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters.

That makes for a total of about 98 tons of U.S. military-delivered supplies to Burma, including water, food, blankets and more, Whitman said.

"We continue to offer our assistance," Whitman said. "At this time, at this moment, at this hour, there has not been additional clearance granted for us to deliver any more supplies. But, as we know, these things have been executed on almost a day-to-day basis with respect to the clearance process."

Cyclone Nargis struck Burma on May 2. The storm killed as many as 30,000 people and left hundreds of thousands homeless, according to news reports. Thousands of Burmese are reported missing more than week after the storm struck.

The military committee, known as a junta, that rules Burma has been reluctant to grant landing rights to U.S. aircraft to assist in humanitarian-relief efforts there.

Whitman said he believes that nongovernmental relief agencies in Burma are distributing the U.S.-provided supplies.

"There are any number of other aid agencies that are helping with the distribution of humanitarian-relief supplies" in Burma, he said.

Meanwhile, Whitman said, a number of U.S. military aircraft and additional supplies are positioned at Utapao, Thailand.

"So, they are available, and we do have relief supplies to put aboard them should we get permission later today to fly more flights in tomorrow," Whitman said.

Delivery of food and water appear to be the main priorities for relief agencies in Burma at the moment, Whitman said.

In addition, helicopters are available aboard the USS Essex and other U.S. Navy ships in the Bay of Bengal near Burma, Whitman said.

"These are assets that would only be used once permission has been granted by the Burmese government," he said.

News reports cite the approach of another storm that may strike Burma. "We're watching it," Whitman said.

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service