Editorial: Silver State helps out

Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005 | 8:56 a.m.

Nevada is among many states that have volunteered to take in Gulf Coast flood victims who were evacuated to Texas in the days following Hurricane Katrina. More than 250,000 displaced Americans are now in Texas and we are glad to see that Nevada has offered to receive an initial group of 800. State officials worked over the Labor Day weekend to prepare for the arrivals. Initial plans call for 300 evacuees to live in Northern Nevada and 500 to live in Southern Nevada.

We're looking forward to Nevadans extending the hospitality that this state is famous for. Many of the now homeless people are expected to remain here up to three months, and even longer depending on how soon they will be able to return to what is left of their homes.

It's likely that as the people begin arriving, their numbers will swell beyond 800. Although federal, state and local governments will be offering financial assistance, successfully providing comfortable accommodations and other services will depend to a great extent on the generosity of Nevadans. We believe our fellow Americans will find a real welcome here during this time of their great need. The local Red Cross says donations of money, rather than clothing or food, is what is most needed to help the people, many of whom lost loved ones as well as all personal property.

Information on how to donate can be found at www.redcrosslasvegas.org.