World Vision to Respond to Communities Impacted by Hurricane Rita by Leveraging Resources Raised for Katrina Response

$4.3 million raised; 87 truckloads of donated goods shipped.

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) September 23, 2005

World Vision is ready to respond to the needs of Gulf Coast residents who will be affected by Hurricane Rita. It has pre-positioned relief goods and assessment teams to expand its Katrina response operations currently underway.

World Vision's hurricane response is centered on receiving and distributing donated goods to partner organizations and churches on the front lines.

World Vision is also accepting donations through its American Families Assistance Fund, which will assist families most in need as identified by World Vision partners. Funds will also assist with the shipping and distribution of the large volume of donated goods World Vision is receiving.

"Our hearts go out to the citizens of the Gulf Coast region, once again enduring great challenge and uncertainty," said World Vision President Rich Stearns. "World Vision is pleased to be in a position to serve, thanks to the generosity and compassion our donors continue to demonstrate."

Corporations and individuals wanting to help people affected by the hurricanes may donate new clothing, with tags, school supplies and toys to any of World Vision's ten storehouses in the United States. Items will be provided to churches and other organizations whose staff and volunteers are responding directly to local hurricane victims.

World Vision's storehouses help meet basic needs for children and families by offering donated, high-quality goods to revitalize neighborhoods and sustain families, Stearns says. Local churches, schools and community groups distribute items to people displaced by the hurricanes.

For more information on storehouse locations, how to obtain relief supplies or how to donate items, please visit http://www.worldvision.org/thestorehouse or call the following numbers: (888) 56-CHILD (individuals); (800) 462-1616 (corporations). To make a donation to the American Families Assistance Fund, visit http://www.worldvision.org

The storehouses are based in the following locations:

District of Columbia

931 Brentwood Road Northeast

Washington, D.C. 20018

(202) 635-7600

Attn: Azi Teklemariam

Dallas-Ft. Worth Area

4687 Mint Way

Dallas, Texas 75236

(214) 331-4934

Attn: Phyllis Freeman

Los Angeles Storehouse

6215 South Gramercy Place

Los Angeles, Calif. 90047

(323) 751-4408

Attn: Melody Thompson

Seattle Area Storehouse

8002 South 212th Street

Kent, Wash. 98032

(253) 872-5900

Attn: Jim Peterson

Detroit Storehouse

4130 Cass Avenue

Detroit, Mich. 48202

(313) 831-2044

Attn: Dan Rorrer

Minneapolis Storehouse

2625 4th Street Southeast

Minneapolis, Minn. 55414

(612) 623-9234

Attn: Ann Oliver

Chicago Storehouse

5001 West Harrison

Chicago, Ill. 60644

(773) 921-3900

Attn: Ivan Gonzalez

Appalachia Storehouse

420 Chestnut Street

Philippi, W.Va. 26416

(304) 457-6612

Attn: Dave Leach

Albany Storehouse

930 West Gordon

Albany, Ga. 31701

(229) 439-7101

Attn: Jim Ewings

New York Storehouse

900 East 136th

Bronx, N.Y. 10454

(718) 292-5600

Attn: Luis Jimenez

World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty.

Contact:        

Karen Kartes (253) 815-2163, (206) 351-4315

Melanie Cripe (253) 815-2356

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