The Hawkeye Chapter of the American Red Cross extends its thanks to the citizens of the Cedar Valley and all of eastern Iowa for their outstanding generosity and philanthropic spirit in  relation to the Iowa tornado disaster.
    The Hawkeye Chapter partnered with television station KWWL to produce a day-long telethon called “Tornados of 2008 – Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” 
    Thousands of individual citizens and many businesses responded by donating more than $325,000 in relief funds for those affected by the tornados in Butler, Black Hawk and Fayette counties.
    Alan McKean, executive director of the Hawkeye Chapter, noted that “The spirit of giving among Iowans in a time of crisis is known nationally, but when a disaster strikes in their home state, the level of help and commitment is simply extraordinary. A prime example of that is the telethon initiated by KWWL-TV, Iowa’s News Channel 7. It was heroic.”
    The Red Cross and its Hawkeye Chapter have many volunteers currently in the field throughout Butler, northern Black Hawk and Fayette counties providing such services as service centers, mental health counseling, damage assessment and others that help disaster victims with basic needs.­
    “This particular disaster has proven that Iowans are resilient, resourceful, and determined to return to a normal way of life quickly, and we will provide Red Cross services that will help them get on the road to recovery.”
    For further information regarding American Red Cross services, contact the Hawkeye Chapter at 319-234-6831 or by e-mail at mckeana@usa.redcross.org.