Helping Hurricane Katrina VictimsDecember 21, 2005Coliseum Mall Helps Hurricane Katrina Evacuees Our community knows what it is like to go through the destruction of a hurricane. Presently there is a great need for donations to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Citizens are encouraged, if they are able, to give to one of the following charities:
Red Cross
Salvation Army
By indicating that you would like your donation to go to the local Hampton Roads´ chapters it will help the Hurricane Katrina evacuees that have come to Hampton Roads for assistance. You may also make donations in any Hampton city department. Each department has a white Hurricane Katrina bucket for donations. A number of evacuees no longer have their glasses, as they were lost in the hurricane. Optometrists or ophthalmologists who are willing to donate their services and provide glasses should call the Hampton Health Department at 727-1172, extension 145. Queen Street Baptist Church and its faith-based organization the Beacon at the Crossroads are willing to repair donated cars and make them available to evacuees. For info, or to donate a car, call 723-6630. Please remember that Hampton Roads is still in the height of hurricane season. Make sure you and your family are prepared by visiting www.hampton.gov/eoc and clicking on "Hurricane: Evacuate or Stay" for more information. You can also visit www.vaemergency.com/05hurr for tips on emergency preparedness.
Donation Fraud
If you believe that you have been the victim of a fraudulent charity, disaster scam or other consumer fraud, file a report with the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of Consumer Affairs at the following addresses and telephone numbers:
Office of the Attorney General
Office of Consumer Affairs
Information for Evacuees of Hurricane Katrina
For those in the Hampton Roads area, please refer individuals to the American Red Cross for the initial assessment and assistance. From there you may be directed to other community resources based on needs. In Hampton, the local Red Cross chapter is located at 4915 West Mercury Boulevard, 838 7320, www.hrredcross.org. If you are trying to locate friends and family, you can use the Family Links Registry at 1-877-LOVED-1s (1-877-568-3317). The Commonwealth of Virginia has also established the Virginia Public Inquiry Center to answer questions and field concerns from citizens. The VPIC telephone number is 866-880-4288. Phoebus Improvement League has a web site (www.hamptonhelps.com) that provides links to:
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