Many members of the Association of Millwork Distributors (AMD) have called the office in New Port Richey, Fla., asking how AMD staff weathered Hurricane Charley, on August 13th as it swept across Florida. As reported on August 27, the hurricane killed 27 people and caused an estimated $7.4 billion in insured damage to homes, businesses and personal possessions.

"Thank you to the AMD members that have inquired how they too can help to rebuild the lives of a person who lost their homes and in many cases their businesses or place of employment because of Hurricane Charley," said Rosalie Leone, executive director of AMD.

According to Leone, eight counties were directly affected by Charley-Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Orange, Osceola, Polk and Seminole. It's been reported that Charley destroyed more than 12,000 homes and 19,000 other major incidents of damage have been reported.

Charlie was ranked as the second most costly hurricane in U.S. history, surpassed only by Hurricane Andrew which reportedly caused $15.5 billion in insured losses in 1992.

Leone said there are several ways to respond in helping the hurricane victims.

Taxable donations can be made payable directly to: Hurricane Charley Relief Fund, Volunteer Florida Foundation, 401 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301 or by calling 800/825-3786.

You can send in your donation to The American Red Cross, P.O. Box 97089, Washington, D.C. 97089 or by calling 800/HELP-NOW. In addition, the Salvation Army, which can be reached at 800/SAL-ARMY, offers opportunities for companies and individuals to make monetary donations.

"Many AMD members have offered to donate millwork products but are unsure as to how to make their donations," Leone said.

After careful research and contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Leone said that the AMD has found two organizations that are directly involved in the long-term process of the actual re-building of Florida's communities.

Leone asks that AMD members take a minute to check out these organizations' websites to learn how you may contribute your taxable donations to individuals who are the victims of Hurricane Charley.

The Florida Interfaith Networking in Disaster (FIND) is a network comprised of faith based organizations, state, local and national recovery groups, as well as other community-minded volunteers working in areas that help to prepare, respond and network disaster relief efforts.
Contact them at www.findflorida.org or 866/286-2232.

The Christian Contractors Association (CCA) is an international network of licensed and experienced contractors of all trades as well as caring individual volunteers from all walks of life, donating time, talents and service to provide free life-changing emergency work for all individuals in need, regardless of race, economics or faith.

Contact them at www.christiancontractorsassociation.org or 800/278-7703.

"Thank you for your support of the Association of Millwork Distributors and for your willingness to share your resources with those in need," Leone said.