America's bloodiest day
How to help

Advertiser Staff

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross will accept money from those wishing to help victims of the terrorist attacks.

• Checks may be sent to the American Red Cross at 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816. Checks should be made payable to "Disaster Relief Fund Terrorist Attack."

• Contributions may be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW, (800) 435-7669. People also may call 739-8105 or may contribute through www.redcross.org

Cassandra Ely, disaster spokeswoman for the American Red Cross in Hawai'i, said trained volunteers from the organization remained on standby yesterday afternoon, including mental-health counselors trained to respond to air disasters. Ely said the Red Cross has received many calls from people who wish to volunteer but expects to rely on registered, trained volunteers. She said people trying to track down loved ones should use the telephone numbers they have and those being published. She said the Red Cross will activate its "family welfare inquiry service," but expects it will take time to determine those affected by the attacks.

Blood Bank of Hawai'i

Nearly 150 people donated blood within a four-hour period yesterday.

• Blood bank officials said the Dillingham Donor Center will be open 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. through Friday and 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m. next weekend to accommodate donors. The downtown donor center's hours also will be 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m. through Friday.

• Donors are encouraged to call 845-9966 or (800) 372-9966 to schedule an appointment over the next several weeks. Blood bank president Dr. Robyn Yim said blood centers nationwide have been asked to collect a surplus, and "we are awaiting instruction on how we can help."

• Yim said it is not necessary for everyone to donate immediately because the need will continue for several weeks. Neighbor Island donors should plan on donating at their regularly scheduled drives.

Give money at local banks

The Hawai'i Community Foundation has established "The September 11th Fund" to support victims of the terrorist attacks in partnership with local community and financial institutions. Foundation president Kelvin Taketa said the fund is a response to community concern. "We are faced with a tragedy the likes of which we have never seen before," he said. He said the fund is in conjunction with Aloha United Way. How the money will be used and distributed has yet to be determined.

• People can donate through branches of American Savings Bank, Bank of Hawai'i, Bank of the Orient, Central Pacific Bank, City Bank, Finance Factors, First Hawaiian Bank, Hawai'i National Bank, HomeStreet Bank, and Territorial Savings; by sending cash or checks to: The September 11th Fund c/o Hawai'i Community Foundation, Pioneer Plaza, 900 Fort Street Mall, Suite 1300, Honolulu, HI 96813; and on-line at www.hcf-hawaii.org

Mental Health Association

The Mental Health Association is offering mental health crisis referrals at 521-4555 for families who need help dealing with children or others who experience trauma as a result of the attacks.