Nov. 20 — NBC Universal is sponsoring fundraising drives from Nov. 21 through Nov. 23 to encourage residents to donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The Fund helps thousands of disaster victims across the country each year, including victims of the recent Southern California wildfires that destroyed entire neighborhoods this week.

Residents can drive through and drop off their donations (checks, cash or credit cards) from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 22 and 23 at the following sites to be staffed by Red Cross volunteers:

Mission College – 13356 Eldridge Ave, Sylmar CA
Cal State Northridge University – 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge CA
Dodger Stadium – 1000 Elysian Park Avenue, Los Angeles CA

During the Nov. 14 weekend, mandatory evacuations in the Sylmar area caused nearly 900 people to seek refuge at four Red Cross shelters. More than 8,000 meals and snacks were served at the shelters and to the first responders at the fire scenes. When the shelters close, the Red Cross continues its commitment to disaster-affected residents by helping them develop a plan to get them back on their feet.

The Disaster Relief Fund enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disasters. 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 by either contacting 1-800-REDCROSS or www.redcrossla.org.

Use your mobile phone to make a donation
Subscribers of participating wireless carriers can donate $5 to American Red Cross disaster relief efforts simply by text messaging the keyword “GIVE” to “2HELP” (24357). Donations will appear on customers’ monthly bills or be debited from a prepaid account balance. Standard text messaging rates apply. Participating Carriers: Alltel, AT&T, Sprint-Nextel, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon Wireless

The NBC Universal television and radio outlets include KNBC4, KVEA52, KWHY22, KIIS FM 102.7, STAR 98.7 FM, HOT 100.3 FM, and KLAC 570 AM.

California Wildfires – November 19, 2008

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California Wildfires – November 18, 2008

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California Wildfires – November 17, 2008

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Goodwill Southern California accepting donations for fire victims
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Goodwill partners with American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles to increase relief efforts

Los Angeles, Calif., Nov. 17, 2008 – Goodwill Southern California (GSC) is partnering for a consecutive second year with the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles (ARCGLA) to accept gently used clothing and household items to assist victims of recent wildfires.

The American Red Cross, not designed to accept individual donations of items for emergency relief, partners with other community agencies and organizations such as Goodwill to accommodate individuals requesting to donate material items. The value of the donation translates into a free voucher, assigned through the American Red Cross. Voucher recipients are given the freedom and dignity to shop with the voucher at any Goodwill Southern California store allowing a wider choice in selection and also more time to shop at his or her convenience.

“While Goodwill is not a relief organization, many individuals may wish to contribute used items to help those who have been affected by the recent fires.”

states Doug Barr president and CEO of Goodwill Southern California.

“We are glad to continue our partnership with the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles to assist our local communities in times of need.”

To donate items for relief efforts, please go to any one of Goodwill Southern California’s 100 plus locations located throughout Los Angeles (north of Rosecrans), Riverside and San Bernardino counties. You can find GSC’s locations by visiting www.goodwillsocal.org or by calling the toll-free number (888) 4-GOODWILL and pressing the number one.

Free vouchers to receive donated items will be assigned by American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles. You may contact American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or by visiting www.redcrossla.org.

For more information on community partnerships with Goodwill, please contact community relations manager Christianne Ray at (323) 539-2095.

About Goodwill Southern California
Since 1916, Goodwill has been turning donations and retail purchases into good jobs that have led to brighter futures for thousands of people with disabilities and vocational challenges.

More than 31,000 people benefit from Goodwill’s education, job training and employment placement programs each year. GSC operates 55 retail stores, 40 attended donation centers, three campuses and 21 service locations in the Los Angeles (north of Rosecrans Ave.), Riverside and San Bernardino counties. For more information about Goodwill and its programs, please call
1 (888) 4-GOODWILL or visit www.goodwillsocal.org. # # #

California Wildfires – November 2008

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California Wildfires – November 17, 2008

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California Wildfires – November 18, 2008

American Red Cross and Its Partners Continue to Help Residents Affected by California Fires

The American Red Cross remains focused on feeding, sheltering, and providing emotional support to the hundreds of evacuees in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Displaced families continue to look to the Red Cross and our partners for a hot meal or to get information about their neighborhoods. Others have stayed to get a good night’s rest. Red Cross shelters remain open in affected areas to serve as a safe place where evacuees can get rest and emotional support. That support is a welcome relief for people who fled their homes and face an uncertain future. Shelters are located at:

• Brea Community Center, 695 Madison Avenue, Brea, CA 92821
• San Marcos High School, 4750 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara 93110
• Sylmar High School, 13050 Borden Avenue, Sylmar, CA 91342

Many of those unable to return home will look to the Red Cross for guidance, resources, and support. The Disaster Relief Fund allows the Red Cross to continue providing immediate emergency assistance such as sheltering and feeding to the wildfire victims.

Disaster-affected families need essential items right away, such as food, shelter and mental health counseling. In order to respond to anyone with disaster-caused needs whenever and wherever a disaster occurs, the Red Cross must have money available immediately. This emergency resource is provided by the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.

• Local Media Contact: (310) 943-5226

California Wildfires – November 17, 2008

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California Wildfires – November 2008

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