By Hope Deutscher
Fargo, ND – North Dakota Governor John Hoeven is thanking North Dakotans for their many expressions of generosity and concern in the wake of last week's terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. He says New York Governor George Pataki is requesting that people who want to help donate to the newly established New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund.
"We've been in contact with Governor Pataki's office, and they tell us that this fund is one way that concerned North Dakotans can contribute to the New York relief effort," Hoeven said.
The new fund will be coordinated with the September 11th Fund, established by the United Way of New York City and the New York Community Trust, and the Twin Towers Fund established by the City of New York, Pataki's office said Saturday.
"The outpouring of donations from across New York and throughout the nation has been truly inspiring," Pataki said.
North Dakotans who wish to donate funds can call 800-801-8092, or mail them to the New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund, P.O. Box 5028, Albany, New York 12205.
Due to the heavy call volume that is anticipated, Gov. Pataki urged contributors using the toll-free hotline to be patient, and consider mailing your contribution.
Hoeven said North Dakotans wishing to seek services or find out how they can help out in both New York and Washington should refer to the attached list of contact numbers and Internet addresses provided by the North Dakota Division of Emergency Management. The volume of calls for some numbers may be high, so callers should be patient, he said.
"Our own Division of Emergency Management (DEM) is in constant contact with both New York and Washington," Hoeven said. "The DEM continues to assess needs out there and are compiling an evolving list of services available to citizens and citizens groups."
GENERAL CONTACT NUMBERS AND INTERNET SITES Welfare Inquiries: U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime: 1-800-331-0075. The agency also has a website for inquiries: www.responsecare.com. American Red Cross: contact the local chapter or in North Dakota call: 1-800-252-6746
American Airlines: 1-800-245-0999
United Airlines: 1-800-932-8555
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): 1-202-314-6185
Virginia Governor's Terrorism Victims Help Line: 1-866-827-3543
Voluntary and Monetary Donations:
New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund: 1-800-801-8092, or P.O. Box 5028, Albany, NY 12205. American Red Cross: Contact your local chapter or call 1-800-HELP-NOW
The Salvation Army: Contact your local chapter or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY
United Way September 11th Fund: 1-212-251-4035
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief: 1-800-959-4325
Church World Service: 1-800-297-1516, extension 222
Nazarene Disaster Response: 1-888-256-5886
World Vision: 1-888-511-6593
Blue Cross Blue Shield: 1-866-761-8365
New York Firefighters and Families Donation Fund: Bismarck Fire Department: 1020 East Central Avenue, Bismarck, 58501.
Blood Donations:
United Blood Services - Bismarck: 1-701-258-4512
United Blood Services - Minot: 1-701-852-2161
United Blood Services - Fargo: 1-701-293-9453
Dak-Minn Blood Bank - Grand Forks: 1-701-780-5140
Crisis Counseling: The Mental Health Association in North Dakota: 1-800-472-2911
Northeast Human Service Center, Grand Forks: 1-701-775-0525
Northwest Human Service Center: 1-800-231-7724
North Central Human Service Center: 1-888-470-6968
Lake Region Human Service Center: 1-701-665-2200
Southeast Human Service Center: 1-888-342-4900
South Central Human Service Center: 1-800-260-1310
West Central Human Service Center: 1-888-328-2662
Badlands Human Service Center 1-888-227-7525
Individuals who have a special concern or a professional service to offer that isn't listed can contact the North Dakota Division of Emergency Management at 800-773-3259.
The N.D. Division of Emergency Management's Situation Reports are posted on the Division's Internet home page. The address is www.state.nd.us/dem