NEW CANAAN, Conn., June 12, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- AmeriCares, the international disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization, today announced that it is sending approximately 40,000 pounds of relief materials to Houston in response to Tropical Storm Allison.
AmeriCares has teamed up with the Houston branch of the Salvation Army to distribute the relief materials. This initial shipment contains pallets of cleaning supplies, cleaning compound and a truckload of items such as batteries, clothing, mop heads, blankets and sleeping pads.
Tropical Storm Allison dumped nearly 3 feet of rain on Houston, causing the worst flooding in the city in more than seven years. As a result of Tropical Storm Allison, 20 people have lost their lives and thousands of others have been displaced from their homes. Speaking in Austin, Federal Emergency Management Director Joe Allbaugh said, "The loss of life is significant. Make no mistake. Folks will be impacted for not days, not weeks, but years to come."
"AmeriCares is responding with essential relief materials for the victims of this devastating storm," stated Robert C. Macauley, AmeriCares Chairman. "We will work closely with the Houston Salvation Army to distribute the urgently needed aid."
Houston resident and former First Lady Barbara Bush serves as AmeriCares' ambassador-at-large.
AmeriCares is the nonprofit international disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization that provides immediate response to emergency medical needs and supports long-term healthcare programs for people around the world, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion. Since its inception in 1982, AmeriCares has delivered more than $2.9 billion in aid to 137 nations worldwide. To help continue relief efforts, send cash donations to AmeriCares, 161 Cherry Street, New Canaan, CT 06840; call AmeriCares at (800) 486-HELP; or log on to www.americares.org.
To arrange for media interviews, please call Elizabeth Griffin at (203) 972-5552.
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CONTACT: AmeriCares, New Canaan
Elizabeth Griffin
(800) 486-4357