HOW YOU CAN HELP

Local agencies gear up for relief effort.

   Mercer County and Somerset County United Ways are taking part in the September 11th Fund in cooperation with United Way of New York City. The effort is supported by the Princeton Area Community Foundation. Send checks to United Way of New York, 2 Park Ave., New York, N.Y. 10016 or contribute online at www.uwnyc.org.
Red Cross
   To make a financial donation to the Disaster Relief Fund, call (800) HELP NOW; mail contributions to American Red Cross of Central New Jersey, 707 Alexander Road., suite 101, Princeton, NJ 08540-6331; or contribute online at www.njredcross.org. by clicking on "Donate Now." The Red Cross cannot accept donated goods.
Supermarkets
   Wegmans at Nassau Park in West Windsor is offering a checkout donation program to aid The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
   ShopRite stores are collecting $2 and $5 donations at checkout for The American Red Cross and Salvation Army.
   Patrons at Acme supermarkets may make donations in special cans to benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
Blood drives
   

  • The Medical Center at Princeton’s blood collection drive continues today from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 253 Witherspoon St. The center announced that the immediate need for blood in the New York area has been met, though there will be a continuing need in coming weeks. It is now necessary to make an appointment to give blood. Call (609) 497-4366. The greatest need is for O-positive and O-negative blood.

   

  • The American Red Cross is scheduling blood donations. Call (800) GIVE LIFE.

   

  • Community Blood Council of New Jersey is collecting blood at 1410 Parkside Ave., Ewing. Call (609) 883-9750.

Emergency items
   

  • Mercer County has set up a collection site for donated items at Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Needed items include work gloves, work boots, hard hats, shirts, blankets, towels safety goggles, rain gear and undergarments. Needed supplies include dust and surgical masks, over-the counter medicine and first-aid supplies, tools, two-way radios, tarps and ropes. For a full list and further information call Mercer County Improvement Authority Director of Operations Jerry Fiabone over the weekend at (609) 922-2552 or go to www.mercercounty.org.
       
  • The Blawenburg Reformed Church in Montgomery is collecting goods such as dust masks, safety glasses, gloves, bottled water and snack food for use by emergency workers. An initial weekend delivery is planned. Individuals and businesses should call (609) 466-3108 for further information.

   

  • West Windsor and Plainsboro are collecting donations today, for 24 hours, for the relief effort. The donations being accepted at the townships’ police department buildings include clothing, towels, blankets and bottled water. For more information, call West Windsor police at (609) 799-1222 or Plainsboro police at (609) 799-2333.

Business groups
   The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce’s Web site, www.njchamber.com, contains a "How You Can Help" section for businesses seeking to provide assistance. Messages are posted about needed goods, services and manpower.
   The New Jersey Business & Industry Association also has posted a "How You Can Help" section at www.njbia.org.