National Headquarters Appeal

How many times have you heard the phrases, "I wish I could do something to help" or "I wish I could do more." Perhaps you have uttered these phrases or something similar yourself, especially when you were viewing the devastating news of our most recent natural disasters and the people left in such dire need.

This year the American Rescue Workers, Inc., a faith-based organization that was founded in 1884 to bring hope and help to those less fortunate, had the tremendous opportunity to serve the hurricane victims in Mississippi and Louisiana. Our Disaster Relief groups consisted of American Rescue Workers' officers, staff members, clients from our programs, and volunteers from various northeast communities. Our various corps worked together as a team to respond to the national needs.

While each American Rescue Workers' corps has served local communities and regions for many years, this was the first time our organization acted on a national level, assisting other well-known groups with bringing relief in a crisis situation. Our Capitol Heights Corps outside of Washington, D.C. had a vision after Sept 11, 2001 to purchase and modify a motor home vehicle to go into the D.C. area to feed the homeless. They have been doing this for 2 years now with great success.

This vehicle was used for the Louisiana effort, and the team relied on this mode of transportation to deliver hot meals and cold water to hundreds of individuals and families without electrical power or water. The team distributed numerous cases of water along with as many as 600 meals a day from this Disaster Relief Unit.

The needs were great, and the people were appreciative, but the system was inadequate. Our team returned very grateful for the opportunity to serve, but also better educated about what is really needed for disaster relief. Our one, modified vehicle limited our service because of its lack of space and other restraints. Had there been more suitable vehicles for this purpose, the team could have brought relief to hundreds more.

For this reason, I am initiating the "ARW Disaster Relief Campaign" to raise $500,000.00 so that we may purchase adequate vehicles for each of our corps, fill them with the necessary supplies, and use them to bring relief to those suffering from natural disasters and other tragedies. With adequate transportation and supplies, each of our corps will be an even greater asset to their local communities, regional areas and our nation.

You can do something to help by donating to this campaign, and you can do more by telling others about it and encouraging them to donate as well. Please send your tax-deductible donation to ARW Disaster Relief Campaign, American Rescue Workers National Headquarters, 25 Ross Street, Williamsport, PA 17701.

Sincerely,
General Claude S. Astin Jr.

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