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Hurricane outreach efforts continue

Aspen Times Staff

Following are some ongoing relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina victims. Information on additional opportunities can be sent to Catherine at cathlutz@aspentimes.com, 925-9156 (fax) or 925-3414, ext. 234. The American Red Cross, which needs 40,000 volunteers in the Gulf Coast region, is offering basic Red Cross training from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, at Aspen Valley Hospital. This training is a prerequisite to become a Red Cross volunteer. Interested individuals must sign up by calling (970) 242-4851 or (888) 545-7800, or e-mailing lyons@arcwcc.org. The class is limited to 25 people. A food and clothing drive for Gulf Coast victims runs through Friday, Oct. 7, at several locations valleywide. Nonperishable food items, toiletries, towels and washcloths, and new and gently used clothing will be accepted at Alpine Bank branches in Aspen, ABC, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Willits and Carbondale; at Clark’s Market in Aspen and Basalt; at Safeway Food & Drug in Glenwood Springs; and at Village Market in Snowmass Village. For more information, call 309-0699. Colorado Mountain News Media and The Aspen Times have four used vehicles to donate to anyone who will use them for hurricane relief efforts. There are three vans and one pickup truck. A 1991 Safari van, which has 175,000 miles, runs but needs front-end work. A 2000 Astro van, with 210,000 miles, runs well but needs work. A1995 Chevy van, with 230,000 miles, runs but also needs work. The 1987 Toyota four-wheel drive pickup has 200,000 miles on it isn’t running. For more information, call Circulation Manager Joe Theisen at 925-3414, ext. 252, or (970) 977-0167. Aid is being sent to a Baton Rouge community fund that is helping refugees through the efforts of Aspen resident Nancy Nevin. Cash is needed for clothing for school-aged evacuees. Direct donations can be sent to: Kay Vansickle, principal, Highland Elementary, 280 Sunset Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70808. (Contact (225) 766-1272 or kvansickle@ ebrschools.org.) Checks should be payable to “Highland Elementary” and marked for Hurricane Katrina Fund.Also, Aspen resident Ruth Harrison is driving to Baton Rouge next week to deliver donations in person. For more information, call Nancy Nevin at 920-4554.