STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
MARK SANFORD, GOVERNOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joel Sawyer
803-734-2100


Columbia, S.C. - August 31, 2005 - Governor Mark Sanford today asked the SC National Guard to identify and stand ready to provide personnel and equipment resources to the areas struck by Hurricane Katrina. Gov. Sanford has also prepared an Executive Order that will activate the SC National Guard for deployment to those areas, once instructions have been issued for recovery efforts. Gov. Sanford has also asked all state
agency heads to work with state employees who are Red Cross-certified disaster service volunteers to accommodate their participation in Red Cross relief efforts. In addition, Gov. Sanford urged all South Carolinians to reach out in whatever way they can to the people affected by Katrina.

"Hurricane Katrina is an indescribable tragedy that has forever changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of folks along the Gulf Coast. No one here will ever forget the outpouring of support that came from all over the country when Hurricane Hugo hit our state back in 1989. South Carolina is a caring and generous state, and we're ready
to return the favor." Gov. Sanford said. "I'd ask that every South Carolinian offer whatever kind of assistance they can, and to join Jenny, the boys, and me in keeping the folks hurt by this disaster in their thoughts and prayers during the coming weeks."

The SC Emergency Management Division is working with first responders and other state agencies to provide assistance once official requests are received. Among those assets are National Guard personnel and equipment from the Military Police Company, the Water Purification Company and a Medium Transport Company. In addition, search and rescue
teams, doctors and logistical teams stand ready to assist. 

For South Carolinians who want to offer further assistance to Katrina victims, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently recommending that all cash and voluntary assistance be directed through voluntary organizations. A list of FEMA-recommended agencies is attached.

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FEMA-Recommended Voluntary Agencies for Katrina Relief

Donate cash to:
American Red Cross
1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669) English,
1-800-257-7575 Spanish;

Operation Blessing
1-800-436-6348

America's Second Harvest
1-800-344-8070

Donate Cash to and Volunteer with:

Adventist Community Services
1-800-381-7171

Catholic Charities, USA
703 549-1390

Christian Disaster Response
941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554

Christian Reformed World Relief Committee
1-800-848-5818

Church World Service
1-800-297-1516

Convoy of Hope
417-823-8998

Lutheran Disaster Response
800-638-3522

Mennonite Disaster Service
717-859-2210

Nazarene Disaster Response
888-256-5886

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
800-872-3283

Salvation Army
1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)

Southern Baptist Convention -- Disaster Relief
1-800-462-8657, ext. 6440

United Methodist Committee on Relief
1-800-554-8583

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Joel D. Sawyer
Communications Office, Governor Mark Sanford
Office: (803) 734-5254
Cell: (803) 446-6713
Fax: (803) 734-6447