For Immediate Release
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
AFSCME to Aid Midwest Flood Victims
Money needed to rebuild the lives of hundreds of AFSCME members who have suffered tremendous losses as a result of these devastating storms.
The torrential storms that have hit the Midwest are having a devastating impact on the lives and homes of hundreds of thousands of American families. In cities such as Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, Iowa, where the rising waters reached historic levels, more than 35,000 families were forced from their homes. Massive floods have now hit six states, and more may be coming in the days ahead as the region’s rivers and streams continue to reach record heights, threatening levees and the communities along shore.
At times like this, AFSCME members are always on the front lines — confronting the crisis and meeting the needs of their neighbors and communities. Our members have been hard at work throughout the Midwest — helping with evacuations, filling sandbags, staffing homeless shelters, providing emergency medical care, pumping water, repairing damaged roads and bridges, serving meals and organizing relief and repair efforts. They are doing everything humanly possible to meet this emergency head on.
In addition to extending help, AFSCME members in the region are in need of help themselves. Even as they provide aid and address the impact of the storms, some of these same members have lost homes, cars and every possession. These brothers and sisters need our assistance. That is why the International Union has moved $100,000 into the “AFSCME Fallen Heroes Fund.” This money will be used to rebuild the lives of hundreds of AFSCME members and their families who have suffered tremendous losses as a result of these catastrophes.
More help is going to be needed. Checks should be made out to the “AFSCME Fallen Heroes Fund.” Please indicate on either the memo line of the check or in a cover letter that your contribution should be used to help victims of the Midwest floods. These funds will go directly to help our members, often providing immediate assistance when other resources are not yet available.
Make a secure online contribution now or send a check to:
AFSCME Fallen Heroes Fund
1625 L Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20036-5687
Your generosity will make a real difference as these brothers and sisters meet the daunting challenge of repairing the damage that has been done to their homes, families and communities.
