All American Red Cross chapters in the Los Angeles area are coordinating efforts to assist the millions of people in the Gulf Coast states suffering through one of the worst natural disasters in modern times.

Santa Clarita residents that want to help are being asked to donate funds to the American Red Cross.  No goods or services are being accepted at this time.  The local contact information is as follows:

Will Leonard, Santa Clarita Valley Red Cross—661-259-1805

23152  ½ W. Valencia Blvd.

Santa Clarita, Ca  91355

Residents may also drop off checks made out to American Red Cross/Katrina

At KHTS-AM 1220 radio station in Canyon Country, 298-1220.

Local personnel and Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) are being deployed to the affected areas as the Red Cross launches the largest mobilization of resources for a single natural disaster. Included in the operation will be the recruitment of 1,900 staff and volunteers, and more than 250 ERVs. The Red Cross has opened shelters in support of the massive evacuations in all affected states, with 202 shelters housing more than 30,000 displaced residents.

Also, preparations have been made to provide more than 500,000 hot meals to storm-weary evacuees each day.

For continuous updates on how the American Red Cross is helping in Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath, please visit www.redcross.org