THE
PRESIDENT: I've come to the Red Cross to, one, thank the good folks here
who are working here. We've got people from around the country who have
come to help heal the lives of those who have been affected by this
terrible disaster.
I told some folks back there that the world saw this tidal wave of
disaster ascend upon the Gulf Coast, and now they're going to see a
tidal wave of compassion. There's over 5,000 Red Cross -- or nearly
5,000 Red Cross volunteers that are working long hours at shelters in 19
states to help these folks that have been displaced get their feet back
on the ground.
I can't think of anything more encouraging for someone who has
endured the tragedy of a storm than to have a loving soul say, I'm here
to help you. And I want -- I want you to know a lot of people care for
you. And that's -- that's the spirit of the Red Cross and it's
volunteers.
If you want to help -- help this country heal after the result of
this disaster, please give cash money to the Red Cross. I just passed
the place where volunteers and staffers are taking calls from around the
country, and the response has been good, but there's more that needs to
be done. Remember, it's the Red Cross that provides much of the first
compassion that a person finds; it's the Red Cross that helps provide
cash money for somebody to help them transition from being disrupted --
having their lives disrupted to a more normal life. It's the Red Cross
that helps feed. And so the Red Cross needs money.
The Red Cross can use volunteers. People -- this is a storm of
enormous magnitude. A lot of people's lives have been affected. I know
much of the country is focused on New Orleans, Louisiana, but parishes
outside of New Orleans have been ruined. Up and down the coast of
Mississippi, communities have been destroyed. And so we need more
manpower. And if you want to help, please call the Red Cross, and --
your local Red Cross and they'll find a way for you to help.
And finally, the Red Cross is in need of blood, and there's a blood
drive going on. As a matter of fact, the White House will be having a
blood drive on Friday. And I will be encouraging the employees there to
donate blood. And I hope others will do so, as well.
This country is coming together to help people who hurt. And one of
the leaders of the army of compassion is the Red Cross. And I'm grateful
for your leadership, Marty. I want to thank all the good folks here who
have -- who really show the world the great compassion of our country.
Thanks for letting me come by to say hello.