Information on SEFA Contributions and Disaster Relief Funds The tragedies of September 11 have touched all of us at UB. Now, more than ever before, members of our campus community are looking for ways to share their resources and volunteer their time in support of people in need. There are many questions about the relationship between our current SEFA campaign and the disaster relief efforts. We hope that this message will help to clarify these issues for you as a liaison, and we would ask for your help in communicating this information as clearly as possible to the employees in your area. By decision of the statewide SEFA committee and state and local United Ways, there will not be a specific mechanism for employees to designate SEFA contributions to immediate disaster relief efforts like the September 11 fund. However, employees may choose to designate some or all of their SEFA gift to local or national organizations that have been and will continue to be involved with disaster relief efforts (see additional information below). We ask for your assistance to help UB donors understand that giving to the September 11 relief effort should not replace SEFA giving, but supplement it. It is important to note that contributions to the September 11 fund are scheduled to end at the end of this calendar year. It is the case, however, that the work of responding to those affected by this tragedy will continue long after that date. Also, many local agencies such as the Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross, Life Transitions Center, Crises Services, and the Salvation Army have been involved in the relief effort both here and downstate since it began and their work will continue well past year's end. This being said, please share all of the following information with the employees in your department. Immediate Donations for Disaster Relief We are recommending those who wish to contribute to disaster relief funds to do so through the HSBC branch banks or through Tops Markets, both of which are matching personal contributions up to a total of $1 million or more. By choosing to make contributions through these companies, employees at UB can double the impact of their disaster relief gifts. The United Way of Buffalo and Erie County (742 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209, 887-2626) is also accepting cash, check (payable to the September 11 Fund) or charge contributions. We may also place receptacles for disaster relief contributions at various locations on the UB campus; we will advise you when and if that happens SEFA Contributions that Support Local Agencies Dealing with Emergency Situations Crisis Services experienced a 30% increase in crisis calls from individuals affected by the tragedies. American Red Cross opened multiple blood donation centers, assisted families looking for missing loved ones, and provided assistance to individuals who couldn't get home because of transportation and border shut downs. ARC send 14 mental health works to New York City to assist with counseling needs. Life Transitions Center responded to local businesses that experienced the loss of fellow employees in the World Trade Center Child & Family Services offered free counseling to individuals and families trying to deal with the tragedy and explain it to their children. Salvation Army sent employees with an emergency food and aid vehicle to New York City to help victims and rescue workers. Child and Adolescent Treatment services provide specialized mental health treatment programs for children and their families at their six locations throughout Erie County and in schools. Jewish Family Services provide trained counselors through their mental health clinic with experience working with adults and children experiencing a loss. Mental Health Association provide comprehensive linkage to mental health services, human service agencies, and support groups.

Last Modified: Monday, 01-Oct-2001 10:12:35 EDT
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