$10 Million to go Towards Earthquake Relief

The American Red Cross has pledged $10 million to aid the survivors of the devastating 7.9 earthquake that struck China's Sichuan province on May 12th. These funds will go toward the preliminary appeal by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which has called for a total of $19.3 million from chapters around the globe. The appeal will support the relief operations through the purchase and distribution of supplies, coordination of relief efforts, and deployment of staff to the affected area.

The American Red Cross will continue to weigh other support options, which may include providing additional financial support, relief supplies or expertise. Given the vast scale of the disaster, an effective action plan and support strategy will take time to fully develop.

You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.