AP Images | AP Video Archive HOME COMPANY MEDIA CENTER PRODUCTS & SERVICES CONTACT US THE AP EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND Ten years ago, Hurricane Katrina swept through New Orleans and neighboring areas leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake. Even as AP staffers in the area worked around the clock to cover it, many of them suffered — their homes destroyed or damaged, relatives rendered homeless. Hearing about the hardships they faced, colleagues around the AP world asked how they could provide assistance. From those heartfelt offers was born The Associated Press Emergency Relief Fund, an independent 501(c)(3) which in the years since has provided quick cash relief to staffers and their families who have been adversely affected by conflict or natural disasters — beyond insurance or the assistance that AP offers. In the decade since Katrina, the fund has distributed nearly 50 grants totaling over $250,000 — all thanks to the generosity of their colleagues and others who revere AP. The fund has helped rebuild houses for staffers in Myanmar after a devastating cyclone, repair and replace cars for staff in Baghdad whose vehicles were destroyed by bombs and provide rental assistance for several people in AP's NY headquarters after Hurricane Sandy. In one instance, after the Taliban invaded a region of Afghanistan and threatened residents, the fund provided money for a staffer there to move his family to safety. Most recently the fund aided several people in AP's Srinagar bureau in India, after massive flooding destroyed both the office and staff homes and vehicles — all so necessary for AP journalists to do their jobs. HOW TO GIVE In order to be ready to help the moment emergencies strike, the Fund relies on the generous and ongoing support of the extended AP community. Donations, which range from $10 to $100,000, and are tax deductible, can be made by check or credit card at any time throughout the year. MORE WAYS TO GIVE: SHOP AP ESSENTIALS Net proceeds from AP's company store will be donated to the AP Emergency Relief Fund; by shopping at AP Essentials, you’re contributing to the Fund. SHOP NOW > DONATE BY CHECK Within the U.S. and Canada, donations can be made by check, payable to AP Emergency Relief Fund; mail your check to AP Emergency Relief Fund, The Associated Press, 450 W. 33rd Street, NY, NY 10001, and be sure to include your name, address and contact information. (Donations outside of the U.S. and Canada should be made online by credit or debit card.) RELIEF FUND BOARD On behalf of the AP staffers and families who receive aid in times of crisis, the AP Emergency Relief Fund Directors and Officers thank you. CONTACT US > DIRECTORS William J. Keating Retired chairman and publisher, The Cincinnati Enquirer James Donna Retired senior vice president, The Associated Press Karen Kaiser SVP, general counsel, The Associated Press OFFICERS Ellen Hale SVP, Corporate Communications, The Associated Press Susan Gilkey Director, Benefits, The Associated Press Peter Lawless Director of Finance, The Associated Press COMPANY About Us AP Leadership History Industry Leadership Intellectual Property Branding FAQs Awards & Recognition News Values and Principles Freedom of Information Definitive Source - blog ASSOCIATED PRESS Terms & Conditions Privacy About the Site AP Essentials Site Map Careers MEDIA CENTER Media Center Press Releases AP in the News CONTACT US Contact Us Customer Support Product Training FOLLOW US News, discussion and a behind-the-scenes look at the newsgathering process from The AP. All contents © copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved.