States, celebrities and regular folks launch relief efforts

UNDATED (AP) _ People and communities across the country are quickly mobilizing manpower and money to help hurricane victims along the Gulf Coast. <br/><br/>Families from Florida to Oregon are offering

Wednesday, August 31st 2005, 9:52 am

By: News On 6

UNDATED (AP) _ People and communities across the country are quickly mobilizing manpower and money to help hurricane victims along the Gulf Coast.

Families from Florida to Oregon are offering space in their homes for people uprooted by the storm. On the Website craigslist-dot-com, one person is offering an apartment in Charleston, South Carolina. Another person says they'll make unlimited long distance calls for people.

In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is asking people to donate to a special fund. Much smaller groups are also sending money, including one church-related council in Michigan.

States from Delaware to New Mexico are sending hundreds of National Guard members to the Gulf Coast.

And celebrities may be stepping up, too. The NBA says it's launching an immediate relief effort, and will contact every player in the league to get support.