MINEOLA, N.Y., Aug. 21, 2008— As Tropical Storm Fay bounces erratically from one end of Florida to the next, the American Red Cross is on the scene. Nearly 800 Red Cross volunteers are assisting people with vast amounts of clean up supplies, dozens of shelters and thousands of meals.

The current relief operation follows a record tornado season, widespread flooding in the Midwest, an early wildfire season and Hurricane Dolly. Combined, these relief efforts have largely depleted the Disaster Relief Fund. Disaster victims need essential items right away, such as food, shelter relief supplies and mental health counseling.

To help make sure volunteers have the means to assist those who need so much, the Nassau Red Cross is asking Long Islanders to help by making a financial contribution to the Disaster Relief Fund by logging onto www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Long Islanders can also visit their local Red Cross chapter. The Nassau Red Cross is located at 195 Willis Avenue in Mineola. The Suffolk Red Cross is located at 95 Horseblock Road in Yaphank. 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.

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All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like Tropical Storm Fay, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. 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. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.