Bank Aiding Red Cross in Hurricane Relief

A Southern California bank with headquarters in Puerto Rico is helping the American Red Cross raise funds for victims of Hurricane Georges.

Banco Popular has placed donation canisters at each of its eight Southern California branches, said Mike Powers, a spokesman for the American Red Cross.

The bank will collect donations during October and give the funds to the Red Cross to use in Puerto Rico, he said.

The Red Cross has also sent 11 volunteers to the island as part of its relief effort.

Powers said the Red Cross will spend at least $50 million to help people hurt by the hurricane.

Georges tore through the Caribbean, southern U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico, killing at least 300 people, since it hit land two weeks ago.

“A lot of our employees in the [Puerto Rican] southern coast were affected,” Lydia Vizcarrondo of Banco Popular said.

The bank is also accepting mailed checks at its branches, she said. Donors may send checks to the Banco Popular Puerto Rico Relief Fund or call 1-877-782-6446. They can also stop by the bank’s Los Angeles branch at 354 S. Spring St.

Powers said donors may call their local Red Cross chapters or call 1-800-HELP-NOW.