Mobile ATMs Sent To Aid FloridaPanhandle

PENSACOLA, Fla. - (09/21/04) -- At least three Florida credit unionspledged to send portable ATMs to credit unions in the state'sPandhandle that have lost their power after Hurricane Ivan. Reliefworkers with the Florida CU League were working Monday tocoordinate the transportation of the mobile machines from CampusUSA CU in Gainesville, VyStar CU in Jacksonville, and Navy FCU inPensacola, and were hoping to gather more so that credit unionmembers in the storm-stricken area could have immediate access tomuch-needed cash. The league also said its hurricane relief fundhas grown $160,000, and as much as $250,000 has been pledged fromcredit unions around the country to help credit union employees andmembers get back on their feet after the storm. The Florida CUFoundation, which is administering the fund, has distributed about$50,000 in small grants to help pay for home repairs for victims ofhurricanes Charley and Frances. However, the League is urgentlyrequesting additional funding in anticipation of the needs of thosein the credit union family that have been affected by HurricaneIvan last week. The league is also attempting to round up electricgenerators and basic supplie, like fuel and water, for affectedcredit unions and league employees will make a trip to the area onWednesday to deliver some of those supplies.