Community Foundation of Central Illinois announces help for Hurricane Katrina victims           

[SEPT. 3, 2005]  PEORIA -- Our thoughts are with the millions devastated by Hurricane Katrina. As the full scope of this tragedy continues to unfold, The Community Foundation of Central Illinois has announced that it is able to assist those who wish to make a donation to a specific area affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Although many reputable charities are a part of the relief effort, many donors wish to make a gift to a specific region or city affected by this natural disaster. The Community Foundation of Central Illinois is able to send funds that have been directed, according to the wishes of donors, to aid in the recovery efforts taking place in Alabama, Louisiana or Mississippi. The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will process these contributions locally, without an administrative fee, and forward them to the community foundations serving these areas as they focus on rebuilding infrastructure and providing basic human services to residents of each state.

Donors may make checks payable to the foundation of their choice (see list provided at right). Please mail all donations to CFCI, 331 Fulton St., Suite 310, Peoria, IL 61602.

The following list has been compiled by The Council on Foundations and includes a list of local community foundations located in the Gulf Coast region that have set up funds for the Hurricane relief effort.

Alabama

• The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham
• Central Alabama Community Foundation

Louisiana

• Baton Rouge Area Foundation
• The Community Foundation of Shreveport-Bossier
• Community Foundation of Acadiana

Mississippi

• Gulf Coast Community Foundation
• Community Foundation of Greater Jackson

For more information on how to make a donation to a specific Hurricane Katrina relief effort fund, please call [phone].

[Community Foundation of Central Illinois news release]