LCIF Approves Emergency Grants After Killer Tornados
Strike Southern United States

A massive tornado outbreak struck much of the southern portion of the United States on Tuesday, February 5, due to violent and unseasonable storms, which killed over 50 people. Little remains standing in many of the areas that were hardest hit throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Lions and LCIF are already responding to the disaster. Throughout the south, Lions are aiding in the search for victims and helping with clean up. LCIF has already approved seven emergency grants, six for US$10,000 and one for US$2,200, totaling US$62,200 to aid those areas in need.

LCIF approved the emergency grants for District 7-I in Arkansas, District 12-L &12-S in Tennessee, District 13-A in Ohio, District 25-C in Indiana, and District 34-I & 34-L in Alabama.

Because so many Lions have asked how they can help, a Southern States Tornado Disaster Relief Fund has been established. The funds continue to support immediate needs as well as assist in long-term rebuilding efforts. Donations from U.S. residents are tax deductible.

U.S. donors can:

• Mail a check to LCIF. Make the check payable to LCIF and write "Southern States Tornado Disaster-Feb.2008" in the memo field. Send the check to LCIF, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA, Attn.: Donor Services.
• Make a credit card donation with a MasterCard, Visa or American Express by calling LCIF at 630-571-5466, ext. 517 or 581. Call between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST.

Donors outside the United States can:

• Make a credit card donation with a MasterCard, Visa or American Express by faxing to LCIF the name of your credit card, credit card number, expiration date and amount of donation. LCIF's fax number is 630-571-5735.
• Mail LCIF a U.S. dollar check drawn on a U.S. financial institution. Make the check payable to LCIF and write "Southern States Tornado Disaster-Feb.2008" in the memo field. Send the check to LCIF, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA, Attn.: Donor Services.
• Make a direct deposit of local currency into an existing LCI account. Specify "LCIF Southern States Tornado Disaster-Feb.2008" on the deposit slip and send a copy to LCIF via fax (630-571-5735).
• Do a direct wire transfer. For assistance with this option or the other donation options, contact LCIF Donor Services at lcif@lionsclubs.org or by phone at 630-571-5466, ext. 404.