For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 30, 2004
President Thanks Volunteers for Helping Hurricane Victims
September 30, 2004
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
ON HURRICANE DAMAGE
Martin County Red Cross Headquarters
Stuart, Florida
10:36 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much for being here. And I'm
really glad to be with my brother, Jeb, the governor, who has done such
a -- (applause.) Jeb has shown tremendous leadership and compassion
during these trying days for this great state. I am really proud of
him.
I want to thank Mike Brown, of FEMA. He has worked really hard, as
well, to help relieve the suffering from these storms.
I want to thank all the state and local officials for working
hard. I had the chance to meet some county commissioners from this
county, people from the sheriff's office, people from the police
department, all of whom are spending an extraordinary amount of time
helping the citizens here who hurt.
I appreciate the strong leadership of the -- of those who represent
the armies of compassion. I'm proud to stand with the men and women of
the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other faith-based and community
groups that are providing important relief.
Volunteers like these behind me have worked long hours to help
those affected by the storms -- long hours not only in Florida, but in
other states, as well. The Red Cross, for example, has sheltered over
400,000 people. The Salvation Army, the Southern Baptist Convention,
the Convoy of Hope from Springfield, Missouri, and other faith-based
groups have set up kitchens, and helped feed the hungry.
Unions and truckers have transported supplies. Young people have
given up free time to lend a hand. I just met with some of the high
school students here from Martin High School who are volunteering to
help the Red Cross. I thank them for their example, I thank them for
their service.
See, these volunteers show the true heart of America, because we're
a compassionate people, we care when a neighbor hurts, we long to help
somebody when help is needed. They have the gratitude of all they've
served, and they have the admiration for our whole country.
Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne have strained the
resources of many relief organizations. People across the nation have
donated money and supplies to help their efforts. I'm grateful for
their generosity. I hope many more Americans will continue to
contribute.
It's very important for our fellow citizens to understand the
strain on the resources for the Red Cross, for example, or the
Salvation Army or other faith-based groups. And if you want to help,
if you want to participate in helping the good folks in this part of
the country who hurt -- contribute. You can contact the Red Cross at
1-800-HELPNOW; or the Salvation Army at 1-800-SALARMY; Or the Florida
Volunteer and Donations Hotline at 1-800-FLHELP1. Or you can contact
one of the many other organizations that are providing help.
The federal government is working closely with state and local
authorities to help people recover. FEMA is working with Florida's
Emergency Response Team and the National Guard to ensure safety;
medical personnel are treating the sick and the injured.
Earlier today I visited a FEMA disaster recovery center where
hurricane victims can go to register for disaster assistance. I've
asked Congress to provide $12.2 billion in federal funds to respond to
these storms. I urge the congress to pass my supplemental request
quickly, so the people of Florida can get the help they need.
People in Florida and many other states are coming through a trying
time. I thank all those who've reached out to help the neighbors in
need. I thank the leaders who have shown strength and composure during
difficult times. And to our fellow citizens facing hardship, the
prayers of our nation are with you, and America stands with you.
Thank you all for coming. God bless your compassion. (Applause.)
10:42 A.M. EDT
END
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