Countywide : Tustin Joins Groups Soliciting Flood Aid

The city of Tustin, the local chapter of the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other relief agencies launched a campaign Monday to collect donations for flood victims in the Midwest.

“This is a people-to-people effort,” Tustin Councilman Jeffrey Thomas said at a news conference. “We could see this (disaster) happening in Orange County.”

Thomas said the Tustin City Council decided to start a relief effort after receiving numerous calls from residents who have relatives in the affected areas. The council passed a resolution July 19, urging public agencies in Orange County to take a leading role in the disaster relief effort.

Over the weekend, Catholic leaders in the county also urged their parishioners to donate money, food and other materials to the flood victims.

“In addition to those benefits which may be provided by federal programs, it is essential to provide aid which can be administered by church agencies,” said Michael P. Driscoll, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Orange.

Thomas said Tustin will not operate a donation and collection center. Instead, donors will be directed to the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Food Bank, a nonprofit group.

Judy Iannaccone, public affairs director of the Orange County chapter of the Red Cross, said cash donations are preferred. Checks must be designated to the Disaster Relief Fund.

Iannaccone said the Red Cross’ cost of providing help to the flood victims could reach $15 million to $20 million.

Units of the Salvation Army throughout Orange County will serve as drop-off points for donations, said Orange County coordinator Capt. Lee R. Lescano. He said there are 22 locations, including 13 thrift stores, where donations may be deposited.

“Once we get enough volume, we’ll ship them,” said Lescano, adding that a collection and distribution center has been established in St. Louis.

Lescano said the Salvation Army has received more than $4,000 in cash so far.

Lescano said that the Salvation Army, like the Red Cross, prefers cash donations. However, canned food, diapers, soap, bedding materials, work gloves and shovels are welcome, he said. Used clothing is not advisable, he said, because it is difficult to sort and there are not enough volunteers to do that.

Iannaccone said that more than 38,109 homes have been affected by the flood. More than 100 shelters have been opened and 8,330 people have sought shelter. More than 18,000 people are expected to request assistance from the Red Cross. Forty-five service centers are now open where families can get vouchers, which can be used to buy groceries, clothes, beds and medicine, she said.

People wishing to help may call (800) 842-2200 or send checks to American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, Orange County Chapter, P.O. Box 11364, Santa Ana, Calif. 92711.

For those wanting to donate to the Catholic Charities effort, checks should be marked “Midwest Flood Relief Effort,” Catholic Charities, USA, Disaster Relief, Attention: Monsignor John Urell, 2811 E. Villa Real, Orange, Calif. 92667.