National Bank of Commerce Accepting Donations for Storm Victims; Funds Will Support Relief Efforts in Hurricane-Ravaged States

Business Wire, Sept 20, 2004

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- National Bank of Commerce today announced that it is accepting donations to benefit hurricane victims. Donations can be made at any NBC branch.

The donations will support American Red Cross efforts to provide the necessities of life, as well as counseling for those who have suffered devastating losses. As of today, the American Red Cross has deployed 19,768 volunteers throughout the regions affected by these storms. Among them are counselors who can help families and individuals cope as they struggle to rebuild their lives.

The impact on the emotional well-being of those affected by the recent hurricanes and subsequent tornadoes and flooding, along with the threat of additional hurricanes looming, is creating a highly stressful environment for residents of the Gulf Coast and the North Eastern states.

Immediately after a disaster, people make decisions that may have serious, long-term consequences. Helping people cope well in the short-term can have significant impact on their well-being in the long-term. This psychological support is aimed at improving community functioning, which has the potential to reach large numbers of people. The process helps to strengthen and build community within disaster shelters, motels, neighborhoods, hospitals and community centers - wherever people find themselves in the aftermath of, or in anticipation of, a disaster.

Red Cross Psychological First Aid

--To date, the Red Cross has provided mental health services to more than 25,000 people affected by these storms.

--More than 321 mental health counselors have been visiting safe neighborhoods, shelters, evacuation centers and hotels to reach those in need with 1,000 total getting prepared, if needed.

How to Help

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan, and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emergency medication, counseling, and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

Relief Effort Statistics

As with all disasters, the first step is to provide safe shelter and food. The following numbers are consolidated as of 9/17 at 11:00 am:

Total to Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Shelters/Evacuation Centers                       1117
Number of People Sheltered                               338,667
Number of Meals/Snacks Served                          6,186,358
Number of Emergency Response Vehicles                        230
(Vehicles to distribute food, clean-up kits, toiletries)

Cases Opened:                                             17,711
Mental Health Contacts:                                   28,348
Health Services Contacts:                                 20,186
Total number of Red Cross Workers                         19,768

--In cooperation with the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Services, the American Red Cross has deployed 40 kitchens with the capacity to prepare 282,000 meals a day.

Client Services

--Red Cross has set up Service Centers throughout Florida where victims can meet one-on-one with a trained Red Cross caseworker and discuss their individual recovery needs.

--Red Cross assistance could include: cash assistance to purchase what they need most including shelter, food, rent, deposits, bedding, linens, medicine, counseling and other assistance to those in need.