Pittsburgh Jewish Federation Opens Emergency Mailbox for Chile Relief

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the wake of Saturday's devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile, the United Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh will collect funds for relief efforts.

Working with its international humanitarian relief partner agency, The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), which is supported through the UJF's Annual Community Campaign, the UJF will provide immediate and direct funding to aid the victim's of the earthquake.

"As we have recently accomplished in Haiti, The UJF will provide donors with a mechanism to ensure they are able to effectively help the people of Chile," said Brian Eglash, Senior Vice President of Financial Resource Development for the UJF.  "When a significant natural disaster occurs, we are recognized through our network of partner agencies as one of the best organizations in North America to provide an immediate way that ensures 100 percent of every donation reaches its intended purpose," he added.

"The JDC will leverage our strong partnerships in the region, including the local Chilean Jewish community, to provide a quick and effective response to the needs of those affected," said JDC CEO Steve Schwager. "We are receiving up-to-the-minute reports from JDC's Latin America team on the ground, including the impact of the earthquake on Chile's Jewish community."

The United Jewish Federation is one of Western Pennsylvania's oldest and largest philanthropies that serve as the heart of Jewish giving for the greater Pittsburgh region.  It provides health and social service support to all walks of life in Pittsburgh, Israel and throughout the world.

The JDC, is the largest international Jewish humanitarian assistance organization in the world and has played a critical, often life-saving role in most important events in 20th century and 21st century Jewish history. Building on decades of relief and development experience, JDC also provides effective, non-sectarian assistance worldwide who are victims of natural and man-made disasters.

As the JDC provides ongoing technical assistance to many Latin American countries including Chile it has existing personnel on the ground and is conducting a full and rapid assessment of the situation.  It is also working closely with Chile's Jewish community to determine critical next steps based on immediate needs of the hardest-hit areas.

JDC relief efforts are part of its International Development Program (IDP), which provides immediate relief and long-term assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters.

Contributions can be made to the UJF online at www.ujfpittsburgh.org or by sending a check made payable to UJF/Chile Relief to the United Jewish Federation, 234 McKee Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

SOURCE United Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh