MINEOLA, N.Y., Jan. 15, 2008 - Only halfway through its fiscal year, the American Red Cross in Nassau County is worried that it will exceed its budgeted funds for local disaster relief.

Because of this, the local Red Cross chapter is making an urgent appeal for help to the residents and businesses of Nassau County.

“We have seen an increase in the number of incidents requiring Red Cross assistance within the county,” said Frank Cassano, chief executive officer of the Nassau Red Cross. “Long Islanders need to realize that by investing in their local Red Cross chapter, they are helping their neighbors and themselves.”

Many of the incidents Cassano referred to are fires. Though they do not generate the media attention given to catastrophic events like hurricanes or tornados, fires are just as tragic for those who must sift through the ashes. And unlike major disasters, which are funded at the national level, the local chapter is responsible for local emergencies.

During its 2007 fiscal year, the Nassau Red Cross responded to 81 local disasters and provided $100,000 in relief to 443 individuals. Since July 1, 2007, the start of the 2008 fiscal year, the Red Cross has responded to 51 incidents and has provided $61,000 to 342 Nassau residents.

The aforementioned figures, Cassano adds, only denote direct aid provided in the form of food, clothing, shelter and other necessities given to disaster victims.

“Just like any other entity, we expend a lot of funds to keep our vehicles fueled and to keep the lights on,” said Cassano. “It is important for people to realize that we are not a government agency, nor are we supported with public tax monies.”

And according to local government officials, taxes would certainly go up if local government were tasked to assume the role of the local Red Cross and the $2.2 million required for its yearly operating expenses.

“Without local volunteer organizations like the Red Cross, Nassau County and its villages would have to utilize paid staff to takeover their services and use taxes to purchase supplies,” said Commissioner James Callahan, of the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management. “It is important that residents realize that entities like the Nassau Red Cross--who are experts in providing emergency services--cannot do it without donations and I urge all residents to support their local chapter the best they can.”

To make a financial contribution or learn more about your local Red Cross chapter, please visit the American Red Cross in Nassau County at 195 Willis Avenue in Mineola, or call (516) 747-3500. The chapter can be visited online at www.nassauredcross.org.

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