American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund Donations Needed

American Red Cross
Friday, 19 September 2003

Americans Can Help: Donate Spare Change at Coinstar in Local Supermarkets

Following the massive damage that Hurricane Isabel has caused after hitting the eastern seaboard, the American Red Cross and Coinstar are urging grocery shoppers to donate their change to the Disaster Relief Fund. The status of the Disaster Relief Fund is critical in allowing the Red Cross to provide vital life-saving services to victims of this and other disasters.

There are nearly 9,000 supermarket Coinstar machines nationwide ready to collect donations to aid the Red Cross in helping East Coast residents recover from this disaster. This weekend, the American Red Cross and Coinstar are encouraging Americans to find a green Coinstar brand machine at their local supermarkets and to donate their change to disaster victims in need.

"The relationship between Coinstar Inc. and the Red Cross offers a way for neighbor to help neighbor with as little as a handful of change," said Skip Seitz, Senior Vice President Growth & Integrated Development with the American Red Cross. "If everyone within two miles of a Coinstar machine would donate a handful of change through the Coinstar Center, more than $80 million could be raised to help replenish the Disaster Relief Fund."

To date the American Red Cross has opened 352 shelters in eight states, providing emergency food and shelter for more than 50,000 residents affected by Hurricane Isabel. In addition, 100 emergency response vehicles pre-loaded with clean-up supplies, food and water are being deployed into affected areas to assist residents in their recovery. More than 6,000 Red Cross workers are involved in this relief effort.

"Now, more than ever, it is important that Americans help their neighbors by donating to the Disaster Relief Fund," said Terry Sicilia, Executive Vice President Disaster Services "Americans have always come through to ensure that the Red Cross is able to deliver relief to victims of disasters."

Coinstar, a national fund-raising partner of the Red Cross, has mobilized its nationwide network of supermarket-based machines to accept financial gifts in the form of loose change for the Disaster Relief Fund. Donations are expected to provide victims with the most immediate basic needs including food, clothing, shelter and replacement medications.

"In the wake of a disaster our country needs to come together as a community and help our neighbors who need our support," said Dave Cole, chief executive officer of Coinstar Inc. "Hurricane Isabel has affected millions of Americans and, as their neighbors, we can make an even stronger impact by donating to the Red Cross through Coinstar machines - funds that will go directly to helping victims of Hurricane Isabel and future disasters put their lives back together."

Coinstar uses technology to deliver time and money saving services to consumers in their local supermarkets. Coinstar's network of more than 10,000 machines is currently available to 160 million consumers in 48 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada and the United Kingdom. Consumers can visit www.findcoinstar.com or call 1-800-928-CASH to find the nearest Coinstar machine.

For more information, or to contact American Red Cross, see their website at: www.redcross.org