BROOKINGS, S.D. — The ATM Industry Association is distributing donations from the industry to the Red Cross to assist those affected by Hurricane Katrina, one of the worst natural disasters to hit the United States in decades.
According to a news release, donations will be deposited into ATMIA's Education and Development Fund, a nonprofit charity. Donations to the fund will be handed over to the American Red Cross and an ATM business hardest hit by the flooding and hurricane damage.
"The devastation caused by this violent storm to both human life and infrastructures is on a catastrophic scale," said Tom Harper, president of ATMIA. "Our prayers and thoughts go out to affected communities and businesses. We are appealing for support from our members and the broader industry to assist in the rebuilding process."
ATMIA in two weeks is expected to report the amount of money donated for the effort, as well as provide an update about the money's distribution to the Red Cross and a worthy recipient, which will be determined by the ATMIA executive board.
A moment of silence will be held in honor of the victims of the tragedy at the start of ATMIA's North American ATM Debit Summit Sept. 14-16 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Make donations payable to the ATMIA Education and Development Fund, P.O. Box 176, Harrisburg, SD, 57032, USA. Pledges also may be made to ATMIA finance director Sharon Lane, who can provide additional information, via e-mail or fax, (605) 743-5877.
