Columbiana residents muster their support

Response has been overwhelming, said a Red Cross official.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- In response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on Washington D.C. and New York City, Columbiana County residents have opened their hearts, and their wallets.
Leslie Louk, resource manager of North Columbiana County American Red Cross based in Salem, said the local response to Red Cross relief efforts has been overwhelming. Many county residents continue to donate in a variety of ways.
Some area banks, including the Charter One branch in Salem, are accepting donations. The Cleveland-based bank is collecting for the United Way's American Tragedy Fund.
In Lisbon, the Johnny Appleseed Festival committee has dedicated the 34th annual festival, which runs through Sunday at Columbiana County Fairgrounds, to the victims of the terrorist attacks.
The committee is donating a portion of festival proceeds to fund relief efforts in New York and Washington D.C., and has asked festival visitors to donate paper products such as cups, plates and paper towels. Visitors can also make cash contributions throughout the weekend at the Lisbon Police Department's dunk tank.
East Palestine Firefighters Association members are accepting donations today until 6 p.m. at both fire stations for the International Association of Firefighters' 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund. The fund has been established to assist the families of New York City firefighters and EMS personnel killed in the World Trade Center attack.
Money preferred: Louk said the local Red Cross chapter is not being asked to supply food, clothing or other supplies at this time, so financial contributions are best for now. She said although the critical, immediate need for blood is being met, blood donations are still needed for the months ahead.
She said the chapter has received numerous calls from school, church and civic groups eager to help. The chapter has sealed containers and vests such groups may borrow to identify themselves as collecting for the national Red Cross effort, she said.
Meanwhile, chapter executive Director Ginger Grilli remains on assignment with Red Cross disaster services teams at the crash site of United Airlines Flight 93 in Somerset County, Pa. All 44 people aboard the hijacked plane were killed .
Although national television has reported animal lovers across the nation are donating dog food, booties and other supplies for the rescue dogs at the World Trade Center site, a local veterinarian recommends making financial contributions.
Dr. Daniel Adamson said a cash donation is more practical when compared to actually buying dog food and shipping it to New York City. He also noted rescue dogs are usually on strict diets closely monitored by their handlers and veterinarians, so it's best to allow rescue dog teams to purchase what they need.