September 13, 2005

Michigan citizens showed generosity and compassion by making countless offers of donations on the state’s Hurricane Katrina Relief Hotline (888-535-6136) in the days since the disaster. After a successful response, the hotline is now forwarding compiled lists of donation offers to local agencies.

The State of Michigan Hurricane Katrina Relief Hotline – staffed by up to 30 volunteers at once – many of the them state employees on their own time – handled more than 16,000 total calls in 12 days of operation. Almost 7,000 calls were taken from Michigan residents who offered durable goods or volunteered to help those affected by the hurricane. Several thousand more callers were referred on to the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other organizations to make monetary contributions.

“We continue to be moved by the outpouring of support shown by Michigan citizens,” said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “People called to donate clothing, food, water, diapers, housing, equipment and many other needed items. We have been able to take those calls for those donation offers and will be matching them with an appropriate need.”

As offers of donations were received, hotline operators entered them into a computerized database, which will now be passed on statewide to local jurisdictions, primarily those who are in the process of receiving evacuees. Cities – and their mayors – where evacuees will be offered more permanent housing will have access to the data and also will have the ability to contact people who offered donations when hurricane evacuees arrive.

“We have received many calls from volunteers willing to give their time, including physicians and other members of our health care community, firemen, law enforcement and the general public,” Granholm said. “Our fellow citizens have suffered tremendous loss and your humanitarian donations will be put to good use.” When citizens call the hotline number after 5 p.m. today, they will still receive information about where to send donations.

Michigan citizens can still help by making a financial contribution. To donate, call the American Red Cross (1-800-HELP-NOW) or the Salvation Army (1-800-SAL-ARMY). Secure, online donations can also be made at www.redcross.org.

Members of the health care community wishing to volunteer can register at the Department of Health and Human Services website: https://volunteer.ccrf.hhs.gov/. Others wishing to volunteer should contact a local chapter of the American Red Cross. Hurricane Katrina Evacuees who are now in Michigan may contact a local office of the Michigan Department of Human Services to obtain information about assistance and temporary shelter.