Red Cross continues to accept
donations for terrorist victims
By Heather Mangold
City
Editor
The American Red Cross persists in collecting donations
from generous Americans after terrorists attacked major cities on Sept.
11, and will continue to do so for as long as it takes.
Debbie Elsner, executive director of the Tippecanoe
County chapter of the American Red Cross, said it could be years before
collections for the victims cease to exist.
"This is going to go on for years for people who
are experiencing mental health problems and such," said Elsner.
To put collection time into perspective, Elsner
said although the bombing at Oklahoma City took place over five years
ago, the American Red Cross is still accepting donations for its victims.
Nationally, an initial $100 million has been designated
for the families of people lost in the attacks. This number is still
rising as organizations continue to raise money.
Tippecanoe County alone raised roughly $426,000.
Elsner said organizations all over the county are
working to raise money, some of which the American Red Cross isn't even
aware of.
"People are just up and doing it, which is wonderful,"
said Elsner.
While it's appreciated that organizations are working
to raise money, it's important to know that some scams are taking place
in light of the national tragedy, said Elsner.
Fraudulent telemarketing efforts have been targeting
senior citizens in an effort to raise money. Callers indicate that they
are calling to collect money for the American Red Cross, but they are,
in fact, stealing.
"These are such high alert and high activity levels
for us that we are unable to police everything that's going on," said
Elsner. "It becomes an issue of trust. We would trust that nobody would
take advantage of such a tragedy."
Elsner said the organization hands over any knowledge
of fraudulent collectors to law officials.
Despite news of scam artists collecting money illegally,
the organization continues to help with the disaster.
Elsner said it is important for people to remember
that not only did people lose their loved ones, but also many families
lost their primary wage earner. In many cases, the companies of victims'
place of work were destroyed, causing a delay in payroll. Also, because
not many bodies have been found, death benefits for insurance will be
delayed until death certificates can be issued. The money that has been
collected thus far by the American Red Cross has been earmarked to go
to the victim's families for these reasons. Money will be used for things
such as rent payments, food, clothing, utilities, transportation and
funeral expenses. However, donations of food and clothing are not being
requested due to the limited amount of manpower in the cities where
terrorists attacked. Not enough people are available to sort through
and distribute donations of this nature, said Elsner.
Local organizations are doing all they can to help.
The Oncology Institute of Greater Lafayette held
a garage sale benefit on Saturday, which had originally been planned
to raise money for the American Cancer Society. After the attacks on
Sept. 11, the institute decided to give half of the sale's proceeds
to the American Red Cross. They raised $643 all together.
The fire departments of Tippecanoe County held
a "fill the boot" campaign on Sept. 14, 15 and 16 to raise money for
the American Red Cross as well. Firefighters raised $304,129.06 for
the cause.
West Lafayette assistant fire chief Larry Grant
said the campaign was a complete success.
"The people were really generous out there," said
Grant. "They were all helping the cause."
Other local businesses such as Burger King, Fazoli's
and Christo's restaurant and also local Girl Scouts have been working
to raise money.
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