Nevada turning anger into activism

Around the country, people are trying to find ways to turn their anger over Tuesday's East Coast terrorist attacks into activism.

Donna Brand, a spokeswoman for the Sierra Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross, said many people have called the office "wanting to go back to New York City and volunteer." Only trained Red Cross volunteers are called to disasters, but there are way area residents can reach out a helping hand to those in need.

Monetary donations, which are being funneled to relief efforts in New York, are being accepted by numerous non-profit charities in Nevada.

"Money gets to the affected area much faster," Brand said. "People on site know what's needed and can buy it with a lot less overhead than people out of the area."

Brand said in two days, more than $10,000 from Northern Nevada has been donated to Red Cross relief efforts.

People suffering from emotional stress are encouraged to seek help. Brand said constant media coverage of the attacks takes an emotional toll on all Americans. People can turn their energy from wanting to help those in the East to volunteering in the community, Brand said. Doing something to help others will help relieve the stress, she said. A state mental health representative Monday will be at the Red Cross's Reno office to talk with those needing emotional assistance.

Tom Choi, executive director of United Blood Services. Immediate blood needs have been met, he said, but blood constantly is needed around the country. Over 3,000 people remain on call lists for blood donation and will be contacted to schedule a time to donate blood, Choi said.

"We want the public to know blood needs are ongoing," he said.

YOU CAN HELP

-- Money may be donated to the Red Cross by calling 1-800-HELPNOW (435-7669) or in Spanish, 1-800-257-7575. The local chapter may be reached at 856-1000 or donations may be mailed to 1190 Corporate Boulevard, Reno, Nev. 89502. Secure, on-line credit card contributions can be made through the Red Cross Web site, www.redcross.org.

-- Half the money collected for auction items at today's annual Beer Tasting at the Brewery Arts Center will be donated to families of the fallen New York firefighters and police officers. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 for unlimited bear tasting, wine and nonalcoholic drinks, a souvenir tasting glass and food. Call the BAC at 883-1976 for information.

-- The national Salvation Army is funneling funds to New York relief efforts. Money may be donated by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-8769). Funds also can be sent to the Carson City branch of the Salvation Army at 661 Colorado St. Carson City, Nev. 89701.

-- The United Way of Northern Nevada is sending $7,000 of its community response fund to provide relief to New York and Washington attack victims. The United Way is also accepting donations for the September 11th Fund, established by the United Way and The New York Community Trust. Funds will provide immediate support to emergency agencies. To contribute, send donations to the United Way September 11th Fund, 2 Park Ave. New York, N.Y. 10017, call 212-251-4035 or through www.uwnyc.org. Donors may direct their funds to New York, Washington, D.C. or other affected communities.

-- Many Americans first response to Tuesday's deadly attacks was to donate blood. Blood donation in Carson City is more than three-times normal. Carson City's United Blood Service office is at 256 Winnie Lane. Call 887-9111 for information.