Contact: Rob Ostrander 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Friday, September 2, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Kit Bond issued the following statement on the Hurricane Katrina disaster:

"Missourians are no strangers to devastating natural disasters, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Right now our first priority must be to save lives. Federal, state and local resources have been mobilized to help the thousands suffering in the wake of this disaster. Also, today Congress approved billions in an emergency supplemental to meet immediate needs.

"I am proud that Missouri, like our state motto, wasted no time in showing folks that in hard times we pull together, sending volunteers, supplies, and National Guard units to the disaster area. Before the hurricane even hit Missouri's Task Force One, who also answered the call to duty on 9-11, was on the ground in New Orleans with Urban Search and Rescue Teams from across the country. These volunteer teams have been saving lives, some days up to 300 people an hour. Also, earlier this week, I had the honor to team with St. Joe's 139th Airlift Wing and Kansas City's Children's Mercy to bring some of the hurricane's littlest victims to safety.

"As when the Tsunami disaster devastated Southeast Asia at the beginning of the year, many Missourians are asking how they can help the victims of this tragedy. If you are interesting in volunteering or contributing, and the need is great, I encourage you to contact your local American Red Cross and Salvation Army or one of the many organizations listed below.”

Hurricane Katrina Support Information Donate cash to:

American Red Cross 1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669) English, 1-800-257-7575 Spanish;

Operation Blessing 1-800-436-6348

America's Second Harvest 1-800-344-8070

Donate Cash to and Volunteer with:

Adventist Community Services 1-800-381-7171

Catholic Charities, USA 703 549-1390

Christian Disaster Response 941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554

Christian Reformed World Relief Committee 1-800-848-5818

Church World Service 1-800-297-1516

Convoy of Hope 417-823-8998

Lutheran Disaster Response 800-638-3522

Mennonite Disaster Service 717-859-2210

Nazarene Disaster Response 888-256-5886

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance 800-872-3283

Salvation Army 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)

Southern Baptist Convention -- Disaster Relief 1-800-462-8657, ext. 6440

United Methodist Committee on Relief 1-800-554-8583

For further information: visit the website for the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) at: http://www.nvoad.org/ .