Firehouse.com News
Federal Emergency Management Agency Press Release -- Federal, state and city
officials today thanked Americans across the nation for their generosity,
but asked that no more donated goods be sent to New York City.
"Since September 11, the generosity of tens of thousands of New Yorkers and
Americans from across the country has been truly inspiring," said Edward F.
Jacoby, Jr., state coordinating officer. "Our warehouses have collected and
distributed hundreds of tons of goods to meet the needs of our heroic
workers at Ground Zero and elsewhere. Although special items may be required
in the long term, donations of food, water, clothing and personal hygiene
items are no longer needed. If you feel that you must give, please give to
charities in your local area to keep the Spirit of America strong."
Working in concert, New York City, New York State and the federal government
designed an extensive donations management system, which at its peak
included five warehouses with nearly 2.5 million square feet of space and an
elaborate transportation routing network. Hundreds of city and state
employees and volunteers worked to sort and inventory the goods to make them
readily available when needed. As items have been used, the operation has
been consolidated to three warehouses in the greater metropolitan area with
more than one million square feet of space.
Richard J. Sheirer, director of the New York City Mayor's Office of
Emergency Management (OEM), spoke of the overwhelming generosity symbolized
by the donations already received. "Although we have all the donations we
could possibly use right now, we will always appreciate the selfless way
people contributed to the rescue and recovery operation in New York City. If
people wish to continue their contributions, they can make a financial
donation to the City's Twin Towers Fund."
Ted Monette, federal coordinating officer, in support of the request made by
city and state officials said, "Americans have once again answered the call.
In the worst of times, we have seen so many people rise to meet the
challenge. We are grateful for their help and concern for others, and know
that they will continue to find ways to help as we work together to address
assistance needs following the September 11 attack."
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