United Way accepting donations for tsunami victims For Immediate Release January 4, 2005

As the world reaches out to provide relief for victims of last week’s tsunami in South Asia, Union County residents and businesses can join in efforts to help by giving to United Way. The United Way of Union County is accepting donations to assist with long-term recovery efforts in the affected region. Donations can be made to the United Way of Union County Tsunami Relief, P.O. Box 145, Marysville, Ohio, 43040. They can also be made in person at the United Way office located at 232 N. Main Street, Suite UW in Marysville. Donations can also be accepted online at www.unitedwayofunioncounty.org/pledge.htm. Money designated by donors to help tsunami victims will be forwarded to the United Way South Asia Response Fund. This fund is being administered by United Way International in Alexandria, Virginia and has been created to support long-term recovery efforts. The impact of this historic natural tragedy will be felt for years to come. Deaths caused by the tsunami have exceeded 120,000. In addition to rebuilding lives, survivors face the daunting task of rebuilding their communities. “Your heart goes out to the victims, but you feel so powerless to help because you’re half a world away,” said Dave Bezusko, Campaign & Public Relations Director for the United Way of Union County. “With the South Asia Response Fund, United Way is providing an outlet for local residents and businesses to do something to help the survivors rebuild their lives.” While the need for immediate relief is crucial to short-term recovery efforts in the region, United Way hopes there will also be generous support for rebuilding the infrastructure on which these fragile fishing and tourist economies rely. Not only are roads, harbors, and hotels in need of repair, but there have been disastrous losses of homes, schools, health clinics, and even the official computer files and records on which stability depends. Long-term recovery, United Way’s focus area, supports rebuilding lives, homes, businesses, and communities. It takes time, care, and support.

For more information, about tsunami relief efforts, please contact the United Way of Union County at 644-8381 or by e-mail at unitedwayuc2@imetweb.net.