Huge Donations For Hurricane Relief.

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Author: Wallace, Nicole

Americans have given more than $500-million to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The pace of giving is unprecedented in recent American history. In the 10 days after September 11, 2001, Americans donated $239-million to charitable causes, and in the nine days after the 2004 tsunami, major American relief groups raised $163-million.

The American Red Cross in Washington has raised $409-million. By comparison, a week after the South Asian tsunami, the Red Cross had raised $79.2-million.

Still, the contributions do not yet come close to the total amount raised in the wake of those other disasters. After the 2001 terrorist attacks, charities raised more than $2.2-billion, and U.S. charities have collected nearly $1.3-billion for the tsunami aid.

Some relief organizations worry that concerns of potential donors about the disaster's impact on the national economy and on fuel prices could hurt attempts to raise funds for the long-term recovery work that will be needed in response to one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history.

Ron Patterson, executive director of Christian Disaster Response in Lake Alfred, Fla., says he expects Americans to give generously for hurricane relief, but worries that the disaster's effect on gas prices will hinder fund-raising efforts.

"How many donations can you make when you're paying $3 a gallon?" he asks.

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By Nicole Wallace