MINEOLA, N.Y., Nov. 6, 2008 - Here on Long Island, it is easy to forget that only two months ago, Hurricanes Ike and Gustav devastated areas of the Gulf Coast. Yet for those who lost so much, the road to recovery will be long.

From the beginning, the American Red Cross has been on the job--providing relief to millions, at a heavy cost.

“In response to the storms, the Red Cross opened more than 900 shelters, served more than 14 million meals and snacks, deployed more than 20,000 volunteers and provided health and mental services to tens of thousands,” said Frank Cassano, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross in Nassau County.

Though the shelters are now closed, the Red Cross still has hundreds of volunteers in the region to provide counseling and referral services to victims. According to Cassano, expenses for Red Cross services could total $120 million.

Unfortunately, expenses have outpaced donations during a year that has suffered a record number of disasters including the worst flooding the Midwest had experienced in 15 years, deadly tornados and several wildfires.

“It is important for people to realize that the Red Cross is not a government agency and must rely on the donated dollar to provide food, safe shelter and emotional support,” said Cassano. “More importantly, we need to be prepared for future disasters. President John F. Kennedy once told our nation that the time to fix the roof was while the sun was shining--well, our roof is in desperate need of repair.”

In the wake of this summer’s hurricanes, only $60 million has been contributed to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The Red Cross has launched a campaign to raise $100 million by Dec. 31. Of that, Long Island’s local chapters have been asked to raise $1 million.

As of Oct. 31, contributions to the fund from residents of Nassau and Suffolk Counties have totaled $200,000.

“Time after time, Long Islanders have been very generous when they’ve been presented with a need,” said Cassano. “I’m hopeful that they will come through again for us.”

All Red Cross disaster assistance is provided at no cost to those affected. To make a contribution to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or logon to www.redcross.org. For more information, the American Red Cross in Nassau County is located at 195 Willis Avenue in Mineola and can be reached by calling (516) 747-3500.

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