Federal fund raising approved for tsunami relief

As the death toll from the tsunami in South Asia continues to rise, the Office of Personnel Management has authorized a federal workplace solicitation to generate financial aid for victims of the disaster.

A Dec. 26 earthquake near the Indonesian island of Sumatra triggered a massive tidal wave that caused devastation across South Asia. According to latest estimates, at least 150,000 people died in the disaster.

As part of the relief drive, federal agencies will encourage donations and provide contact information for relevant charities and relief agencies. A similar fund-raising effort was launched after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

OPM officials said U.S. Agency for International Development employees recommended that cash contributions "are the most effective way to provide relief assistance." USAID provided a list of applicable relief organizations.

Employees who work in areas where the annual Combined Federal Campaign is ongoing will be able to contribute through payroll deductions or a direct contribution. OPM also has provided a list of national and international agencies that might be providing relief to affected areas. The agency asked federal employees to check with individual agencies on the list to ensure they are taking part in the disaster relief effort.

U.S.-based aid agencies have said that the public response has been generous and immediate. Red Cross officials said they have received more than $79 million in pledges. Atlanta-based CARE USA has received about $10 million in donations.

"This far exceeds what we have raised for other disasters," CARE USA spokeswoman Lurma Rackley said Monday. "It is phenomenal in terms of the speed for which the donations have come in."

The White House at first committed $15 million to the relief effort, then later increased the contribution to $350 million. The U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier group also is in position near Sumatra and military personnel are ferrying supplies to the island.

In a press conference Monday, Bush also announced that former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush will lead a fund-raising drive.

"To draw even greater amounts of private donations, I have asked two of America's most distinguished private citizens to head a nationwide charitable fund-raising effort," President Bush said. "In the coming days, Presidents Clinton and Bush will ask Americans to donate directly to reliable charities already providing help to tsunami victims…. I've asked the former presidents to solicit contributions both large and small."

Bush signed a proclamation last week calling for all U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff this week to honor victims of the tragedy.