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09/07/2005: "State & Local Help For Hurricane Victims"

(Christine Gregoire)

OLYMPIA: Gov. Christine Gregoire yesterday established Washington Cares in collaboration with Washington Mutual Bank. Washington Cares enables Washington citizens to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Washington Mutual will match the first $100,000 in donations from citizens and will continue to match all donations from its own employees. The governor understands that people in Washington state are looking for a way to help. Washington Cares will make sure their generosity is channeled to the best possible use.

"The most urgent need right now is for money," said Gregoire. "We must help maintain the good work that is underway through reputable relief organizations on the ground trying to cope with the devastation left by Katrina.

"My family and I have been watching the heart wrenching scenes of devastation in the Gulf Coast region," said Gregoire. "I share the concern of all Washingtonians who want to help the people who are suffering in the wake of Hurricane Katrina."

"We recognize the heart-felt response from people across the United States and we are proud to join Governor Gregoire and Washington state residents in supporting this much needed effort," said Kerry Killinger, Washington Mutual Chairman and CEO.

Washington Mutual Bank will be accepting cash donations to Washington Cares at every branch in the state. Funds will be directed to the American Red Cross, which is providing a massive relief effort, coordinating response strategies and working on rapid deployment of resources to assist the people of the Gulf region. Washington Mutual also donated an additional $100,000 to the Red Cross earlier this week.

"I've let the governors of Louisiana and Mississippi know of our emergency response and that we are here to help," said the governor.

Call for Clothing:
(Pastor Nancy Tiederman & Debbie Emery)
FRIDAY HARBOR: On the local front there has been impressive local activity in San Juan county to help, and one of many examples is the St. David's Episcopal Church will begin a clothing drive this week. Although there has been no call for clothing yet - Debbie Emery said "we wanted to get a head start on collecting and sorting CLEAN used clothes that will be of benefit at some point to the displaced families down south."

"The people of San Juan Island are very caring and generous people." That was the assessment of Pastor Nancy Tiederman, Rector of Saint David's Episcopal Church as she stood in the middle of a room of donated clothing and linens. "We collected over $7000 for victims of Hurricane Katrina at our church services on Sunday. Now people from all over the island are bringing wonderful clothing and linens and even some new Teddy Bears."

Debbie Emery, coordinator of the clothing and linen collection, has been pretty amazed, too. "The day that we announced our plan, people began dropping off items, and it has continued ever since," Emery said. "Volunteers are helping to sort clothing, Lynn Danaher has given us storage space at Surina Business Park, and businesses have given us boxes for storage and shipping."

Emery and her team of volunteers are coordinating their efforts with various agencies in Louisiana and Mississippi. As items are needed and someone in that area is available to distribute them, Emery will organize a shipment.

Emery said that If people have good quality, clean items to donate they can be dropped off in front of the Church office on Park Street during the week - or at the Church undercroft from noon to 5 p.m. the next two Sundays. The clothing and linens will be sorted, packaged, and labeled - and ready when the call comes.

Any local merchants who have leftover summer t-shirts are encourage to donate. Baby diapers and children's clothing of all sizes are also really encouraged.

If you have any questions please call the church office at 378-5360 or Debbie Emery at 378-2196.