AARP Foundation Establishes Relief Fund for Victims of Superstorm Sandy

AARP to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP Foundation today announced it has established a relief fund to support victims in the U.S. devastated by Superstorm Sandy.  AARP and its members are committed to helping those in need, so to bolster the Foundation's relief effort AARP and its affiliates will match contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000, assuring up to $1 million in aid.  The matching program will be administered through AARP Foundation. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20070209/NYF043LOGO)

"We realize that people want to help, and we are here as a resource to provide emergency relief funding to organizations working with victims of Superstorm Sandy," said Jo Ann Jenkins, AARP Foundation President.  "Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by this terrible storm and we're encouraging those who can give to please do so."

Jenkins continued, "As a trusted organization, AARP Foundation will play a vital role in facilitating the relief effort. All too often we know that fraud follows disaster, as con artists may try to take advantage of people who are looking for ways to help the victims of this terrible storm. Through our secure web site those who choose to give can do so with the confidence that 100 percent of their tax-deductible donations will be used to help the victims of this disaster."

Sadly, the impact of Sandy continues to increase as news agencies report it as one of the biggest and most devastating "superstorms" ever to hit the United States.   In the states most severely impacted, more than six million AARP members, their families and neighbors are struggling to recover from the storm's initial Oct. 29 impact. An immediate response to this urgent appeal will allow AARP to expedite support to those who need it now.  To donate to the relief fund, please go to: www.aarp.org/disasterrelief. 

About AARP Foundation 
AARP Foundation is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. By coordinating responses to these issues on all four fronts at once, and supporting them with vigorous legal advocacy, the Foundation serves the unique needs of those 50+ while working with local organizations nationwide to reach more people, work more efficiently and make resources go further. AARP Foundation is the charitable affiliate of AARP. Learn more at www.aarpfoundation.org.

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for Americans 50+ and the world's largest-circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for the 50+ audience; AARP VIVA, a bilingual lifestyle multimedia platform addressing the interests and needs of Hispanic Americans; and national television and radio programming including My Generation and Inside E Street. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

SOURCE AARP