SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI (ANS) -- Convoy of Hope (COH) has setup and is distributing aid to victims of Hurricane Gustav from a Point of Distribution (POD) in New Iberia, Louisiana, and volunteer teams, eager to serve, are coming from across the country to assist in this disaster response.

COH President, Hal Donaldson, says: "Like most Americans, I am sure you have been watching the news to see how hard the Gulf Coast would be hit by hurricane Gustav. While the damage is not nearly as severe as it could have been, let me share with you some of the staggering statistics."

Donaldson said nearly two million Gulf Coast residents have been evacuated from their homes.

"Three more storms are coming on the heels of Gustav -- Hurricane Hannah is expected to strike as soon as Friday, followed by potential hurricanes Ike and Josephine. Significant flooding is expected throughout the region as all eyes remain on the levees.

"Gustav also caused flooding in some Florida locations, including Orlando and Sanford. In Louisiana, all parishes remain closed with roads blocked as 1.4 million people remain without power (estimated to be down another two to three weeks), and boil water orders are in effect in two parishes," Donaldson said.

This is shaping up to be an active hurricane season, he said.

Donaldson added: "Though this could have been much worse, there are still thousands of people who need our help! We're prepared to empty our warehouse if necessary to help people in their time of need. We are counting on the generosity of donors, churches, and corporate partners to come alongside us at this crucial time."

Donaldson said that as COH trucks pulled into town, fourteen cars followed their Mobile Command Center through the flooded parking lot entrance to receive much-needed help.

"From here we will serve the hard-hit areas of Houma, New Iberia, Lafayette, Louisina, and others. We are receiving many requests for assistance and relief products from hospitals and other entities. We will continually monitor affected areas and assess the potential to set up additional PODs. "

Convoy of Hope mobilizes, resources, and trains churches and other groups to conduct community outreaches, respond to disasters, and direct other compassion initiatives in the United States and around the world.

Convoy of Hope, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, serves in the United States and around the world providing disaster relief, building supply lines and sponsoring outreaches to the poor and hurting in communities. During a COH outreach, free groceries are distributed, job and health fairs are organized and activities for children are provided.

Convoy of Hope receives excellent ratings from two nationally recognized charity watchdog groups. Charity Navigator gave COH their coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management and the Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America awarded it the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence, for meeting the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. Fewer than 5 percent of charities in America meet or exceed these standards. Historically, less than 10 percent of donations are used for Convoy of Hope operations.

Donaldson explained that Corporate and private partnerships allow Convoy of Hope to multiply every donated dollar to about $7 of actual relief product; $6,000 can fill a tractor-trailer with relief product, serving upwards of 7,000 people.

He added: "Your $100 gift can provide $700 of water, ice, food, and supplies. A $200 gift can help bring relief to over 1500 people. You can touch hundreds, if not thousands of lives with your gift today! Large or small, your gift will have an immediate impact!

"Thank you for your compassion toward the victims of hurricane Gustav and the series of storms that are following. We will continue to keep you abreast of our activities in the wake of these storms. Your secure online gift will have a direct impact on the lives of hurting people."

You may donate through this link: www.convoyofhope.org/go/donate  

** Michael Ireland, Chief Correspondent of ANS, is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station. Michael's involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- Michael Ireland Media Missionary (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International.