NCGA
Offers Information on Contributing to Tsunami Relief Effort (01-06-05)
President George
W. Bush this week encouraged all Americans to join in the effort
to provide humanitarian relief for the victims of recent tsunamis
that devastated numerous Asian and African countries. In response
to the president’s call for action, the National Corn Growers
Association (NCGA) is providing and information and resources to
corn producers who wish to contribute to the relief effort.
“I ask
every American to contribute as they are able to do so,” Bush
said Monday. “In the weeks since the tsunami struck, private
citizens have contributed millions of dollars for disaster relief
and reconstruction.”
NCGA President
Leon Corzine encouraged corn growers to assist in the effort if
possible. “This is a massive humanitarian crisis,” he
said. “Any support corn growers can provide will certainly
aid the cause. The agriculture infrastructure and food supply in
the Indian Ocean region took a serious hit, and it will take a sustained
effort to help the affected nations recover.”
With the death
toll rising to more than 155,000, the International Federation of
Red Cross and Red Crescent societies has put in place what is likely
to be its largest emergency relief operation ever. To learn more
about making a donation to the Red Cross or becoming a volunteer,
go to www.ifrc.org or call (212) 338-0161.
Growers may
also make donations through the president’s U.S.A.
Freedom Corps Web site. The site also offers a comprehensive
list of legitimate charitable organizations accepting donations,
information on volunteering and instructions for making in-kind
contributions.
The USAID
Web site provides daily updates on the progress of relief efforts
in each of the affected countries and provides information on donating
consumer goods and commodities.