Support the

Support the

Red Cross

To the Editor;

In a letter from Elizabeth Dole, president of the American Red Cross, she writes that the American Red Cross has provided two years of unprecedented disaster relief service to the American public. Beginning in FY 1990, we spent more money on disaster relief service than in any other year in our history.

In FY 1991 we responded to the needs of disaster victims involved in more than 300 nuyor disasters, the most operations ever serviced in our history. I am proud to say that the Red Cross has met these challenges well, and I intend to keep our focus on maintaining this top priority service of the American Red Cross.

Disasters continue at a level of intensity in FY 1992 that exceeds our past historical patterns. Funds have been difficult to raise in that many of the disaster relief operations we are supporting have not captured the attention of the media, thus making it difficult to attract public support for our cause.

The typhoon that struck American Samoa has created approximately $150 million in disaster relief needs, substantially higher than earlier estimates. Heavy rains and mud slides in Puerto Rico have added an additional $4.3 million strain on the national disaster relief fund. Combined with earlier disaster operations we are committed to, the projected deficit now stands at $23.4 million. With the spring floods in California and Texas, I fear this deficit may grow even further unless we take aggressive action now to raise disaster relief funds.

If you can help please send a check to the Rappahannock-Fauquier Chapter earmarked for the National Disaster Program. The Rappahannock-Fauquier chapter has helped five families who have been burned out of their homes and have given over $3,200 of your money in aid.

Thank you for your past generous support and for the support I hope you will give this national plea.

URSULA B. BAXLEY

Chairman

Rappahannock-F auquier

Red Cross

Marshall