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CNN Live At Daybreak

September 11 Charities Continue to Help Victims, Families

Aired March 07, 2002 - 05:48   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Americans are still opening their hearts and their wallets to victims of the September attacks. More than $2 billion has been raised so far by various charities.

Our Financial News Correspondent Peter Viles has more on the money.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. BERNADINE HEALY, FMR. RED CROSS PRESIDENT: I shall miss you.

PETER VILES, CNNFN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Despite all that controversy, notably at the Red Cross, the outpouring of money to charities in the wake of September 11 has continued.

A new survey by "The Chronicle of Philanthropy" counts just over $2 billion raised, just over $1 billion dispersed.

The two biggest charities account for more than half of both figures. The American Red Cross has raised $929 million, dispersed $557 million. The September 11th Fund, $456 million raised, $205 million dispersed.

And today, that Fund said what remains, $250 million, will be used for emerging needs.

JOSH GOTBAUM, SEPTEMBER 11 FUND: The victims of September 11th will still need counseling next month and next year. Some will need help with job training and placement, they will need -- continue to need legal and financial advice. Some will need help in monitoring and getting healthcare. Non-profits and small businesses will need help rebuilding communities. And there will be a continuing need to help people know where and how to get help.

VILES: It is hard to say with any degree of certainty how much the families of victims have received, on average, in cash assistance. The September 11th Fund estimates $20,000 per family. The Red Cross estimates another $52,000 per family. One widow actively working with the charities estimates the average total will reach $100,000 per family this spring.

(on camera): Now families of uniformed personnel, notably firefighters, have received much more than those averages. In any event, all of these families face the same big variable going forward, and that is that federal Victims Compensation Fund. It is widely expected now that the federal government will soon make a second offer and a more generous offer to these families from that fund.

Peter Viles, CNN Financial News, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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