Press Release

United Way Organizations Join Forces for Xenia Crisis Recovery

Friday September 22, 2000 - Dayton, OH

United Way of the Greater Dayton Area serving Greene, Montgomery, and Preble Counties, with support from United Way of America, has established a Crisis Recovery Fund for both immediate and longer-term needs resulting from the Xenia tornado. "Each local United Way is a separate organization that focuses on improving its local community," said Craig Chancellor, President of the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area. "However, it is not uncommon for us to extend a special helping hand when a community is struck by a disaster." HelpLinkä, United Way's information and referral service, is available 24-hours a day to link victims of the tornado to services that can help. They have already answered calls for assistance and are also directing callers who wish to help to organizations that are coordinating relief efforts. Call 225-3000 or 1-800-91-REACH (73224) toll-free from Greene County for persons living outside the Dayton area exchange. "You never know when a crisis might occur. You never know when you may need services," Chancellor said. "You can be assured, however, that United Way funded services will be there to help." All Crisis Recovery Fund dollars will be distributed to United Way agencies assisting the victims over and above their funding from the annual campaign. Special contributions for this purpose are also being accepted from organizations and individuals and can be mailed to Tornado Fund, c/o United Way, 100 W. Main St., Xenia, OH 45385-2915.