Where to help in response to the terrorist attacks

Tuesday’s terrorist acts in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania injured many victims and created a desperate need for blood. The American Red Cross is responding by collecting blood from donors nationwide and transporting it back east.

Your help is needed.

The Red Cross has extended its hours at Southern California blood donor centers to facilitate individuals wishing to donate blood.

Although the volume of callers has swamped telephone lines, that problem is expected to dissipate before the need for blood has gone away.

In New York, so many people stood in line to give blood that donor centers had to send people away, according to a CBS report. But type "O" positive or negative blood types are still needed. It’s impossible to predict the number of injuries; it may not be known for days or even weeks, sources said. It’s typical that blood donor centers hold enough blood to last at least five days, sources said. Phone lines may still be busy for those interested in calling to donate blood, Red Cross officials said. But keep calling, they advised, because a line will eventually be open.

"I am sure we will pull together," said U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman, "Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and people of all faiths, to provide comfort to the grieving, to assure security for our families and to support such anti-terrorist actions as necessary."

Many people and groups in the area have opened their doors to help America move forward after Tuesday’s mishaps. Temple Beth Haverim in Agoura Hills, for example, hosted a special unity service last night to help those who are having difficulty dealing with the aftermath and nonstop media coverage.

"We need to have faith and strength for our children and our families during this time when the symbols of America are under attack, and thousands of innocent lives are being lost," said Rabbi Gershon Johnson of Temple Beth Haverim. "As a community, we need to be with each other and support each other at this time of tragedy and horror."

To help victims who need blood, please call the American Red Cross Blood Services at 1 (800) 435-7669 or 1 (800) 448-3543 or try (213) 739-4543. To learn more about the blood situation nationwide, please call 1 (888) US BLOOD.