President, Voluntary Organizations (VIDEO)

President Meets with Representatives from National Voluntary Organizations, FULL STREAMING VIDEO, Roosevelt Room, 12:02 P.M. EDT

President George W. Bush meets with representatives from national voluntary and charitable organizations, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2005, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, to receive an update on the work being done

by volunteers and charities in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. White House photo by Paul Morse.

THE PRESIDENT: Listen, I want to thank leaders of the -- in the faith -- faith-based and community-based community for being here. We've got people who represent thousands of volunteers who are in the midst of helping save lives.

You know, there's a debate here about refugees. Let me tell you my attitude and the attitude of people around this table: The people we're talking about are not refugees. They are Americans, and they need the help and love and compassion of our fellow citizens. And the people at this table are providing that help and compassion and love.

If you want to help, support the Red Cross or the Salvation Army or your church or the United Way. Houston, for example, is going to kick off a United Way campaign, and that money is going to help with the costs of the displaced persons inside of Houston. So please give cash money to organizations that are directly involved in helping save lives -- save the life who had been affected by Hurricane Katrina.

We have spent time talking about how we can make sure we continue progress, make sure people get -- not only continue to get the affection and love of people in the private sector, but also to make sure that the government gets people their Social Security checks, or their veteran's benefits checks, the checks that -- unemployment checks. And we'll do that, we'll do that.

Out of the darkness will come some light, and the light I saw yesterday at the program in Baton Rouge with T.D. Jakes was so apparent to me. And it's based upon the fact we've got citizens who are willing to take time to love somebody like they would like to be loved themselves, welcome a stranger in their midst. And for those of you who have done that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You're a part of the strength of this country. You're what makes America a great place.

In the meantime, we'll continue to work together to do our duty and to help our citizens who hurt, and help this great part of the country rebuild.

God bless.

END 12:05 P.M. EDT For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, September 6, 2005

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Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. (VIDEO)

Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. FULL STREAMING VIDEO

We are calling on all Americans to help the people of the Gulf Coast region by making as generous of a contribution as you can to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. Thousands of our fellow

Americans have suffered tremendous losses due to Hurricane Katrina. They desperately need your help to begin to rebuild their lives and their communities.

That’s why President Bush has asked us to lead the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. This fund will serve as an umbrella organization for the three special funds established by Governors of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi and will focus on collecting donations to assist in the long-term recovery plan for the states affected by this terrible tragedy.

Throughout our history, Americans have always responded to adversity with courage and compassion. We hope that we can count on you to help Hurricane Katrina survivors by making your donation today.

more at Hurricane Katrina and Katrina or hurricane and Katrina relief or Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund