The American Red Cross in Greater New York on behalf of the Red Cross chapters in 14 affected counties will receive a special $1 million appropriation from New York State to provide immediate relief to victims of last weekend's heavy storms and floods.

According to Theresa Bischoff, CEO of the American Red Cross in Greater New York, "We are very grateful to Governor Pataki, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and the State Legislature for their early leadership and support. This is a continuation of a long and productive partnership with New York State government leaders with whom we work closely to insure the welfare of New Yorkers at times of disaster." She added, "These funds are very important for us to meet the immediate basic needs of thousands of New Yorkers who have been devastated by these floods. They will provide a substantial amount of the assistance we need along with the support of our corporate partners and individual donors across state."

This appropriation will enable the Red Cross to provide such critical needs as food, shelter, clothing and mental health assistance for thousands of people affected by the floods.

In the past 10 days hundreds of Red Cross staff and volunteers across the state have been helping the thousands of victims by:

• Sheltering 793 people
• Distributing nearly 5,100 meals
• Providing 455 mental health contacts
• Providing 1,125 clean up kits
• Providing 927 comfort kits
• Providing emergency assistance, including temporary housing, food, clothing, cleaning supplies and emotional support.

Currently, Red Cross staff and volunteers are conducting door-to-door outreach and working with more than 800 families. In addition, family caseworkers and disaster relief volunteers continue to provide special Red Cross clean-up kits and disaster relief supplies.

American Red Cross disaster relief is designed to provide immediate short-term needs until other resources become available. This aid is given to individuals and families to enable them to resume their normal daily activities as quickly as possible and get them back to normalcy - or until further long-term assistance becomes available.

The American Red Cross always honors the intent of its donors. Donations made for the New York flood along with state assistance will be used for the immediate needs of flood victims. According to Red Cross policy, when it appears that contributions are sufficient to meet the cost of the disaster the Red Cross will make an announcement that we are ceasing fundraising.

The American Red Cross responds to more than 5,000 disasters throughout the state of New York each year and will continue to seek the funds needed to assist communities every day throughout the state. In addition, the Red Cross is currently responding to the relief efforts of two other floods in nearby Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

People displaced by the flooding who are still in need of emergency assistance should contact the Red Cross at 1-877 REDCROSS.