DATE: 9/6/2005

CONTACT: Dr. Fran Wolak, (864) 656-3382

WRITER: Tom Lollis, (803) 284-3343, ext. 241

Extension, 4-H efforts started to assist victims of Katrina

CLEMSON – Funds have been set up to assist faculty and staff associated with colleges and universities in the Land-Grant System in the three-state area hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina.

“Clemson University staff have offered their time to help in Louisiana and Mississippi , but we have been told it is too soon to send manpower. Financial donations are needed most right now,” said Fran Wolak, chief operating officer for the Clemson Extension Service.

“Donations may be made through the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC) and through the 4-H programs in Louisiana and Mississippi,” he said.

Checks made payable to NASULGC-Katrina Extension Disaster Fund may be sent to the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC), Department 0545, Washington DC 20073-0545 .

Contributions are tax deductible and receipts will be issued for contributions above $250. This fund will assist Extension staff in Louisiana , Mississippi and Alabama who were impacted by the storm.

Checks made payable to the Louisiana 4-H Foundation will assist LSU AgCenter faculty and staff in their recovery efforts. Mail checks to Trey Williams, P.O. Box 25100 , Baton Rouge , LA 70894-5100 . In the memo field of the check, indicate “Relief Fund.”

Donations may also be made by credit card by accessing the Louisiana 4-H Foundation website at 222.La4HFoundation.org or by calling the 4-H Foundation office at (225) 578-1172 and providing the necessary information.

No part of any donations will be used for administrative expenses. Funds will provide assistance for Extension agents who have lost their homes, to provide assistance for dislocated 4-H members, to provide essentials for more than 500 evacuees at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center, and to restore facilities, equipment and supplies for Grant Walker.

For donations to 4-H efforts in Mississippi , send checks made out to Mississippi 4-H Foundation to Box 9601 , Mississippi State University , MS 39672. Indicate “Hurricane Relief” on your check.

Mississippi 4-H program leaders also ask that 4-H members from around the country write letters of encouragement which will be distributed by 4-H agents, youths and adult volunteers to young people affected by the hurricane.

Send letters to: Mississippi Operation 4-H Relief – Letters of Caring & Hope, Box 9641 , Mississippi State University , MS 39762 . Letters shipped by UPS should be addressed to Operation 4-H Relief, 204 Bost Extension Center, Mississippi State University , MS 39762 .

Funds donated to the Mississippi 4-H Foundation will go to 4-H families and to purchase supplies for activity boxes to help entertain children in shelters or in isolated areas without power.

END