Price Chopper and the American Red Cross announced today that they are launching "Your Help Counts" to benefit the victims of the 2008 hurricanes by supporting the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. This fundraising program represents joint cooperation from a long-standing partnership between the two organizations and is activated in times of national disaster.

Beginning today and through September 29, donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund can be made at any Price Chopper store in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Vermont. Donations will benefit the victims of the 2008 hurricanes.

Price Chopper has Connecticut stores in Southington, Bristol, Newington, Putnam, Torrington, Vernon and Windsor.

"At the Red Cross, we see firsthand the devastation each disaster causes," said Dianne Auger, CEO of the Charter Oak Chapter of the American Red Cross. "Every donation, no matter how big or small, shows victims that Americans all over the country are working together to help them get back on their feet. On behalf of the American Red Cross, I'd like to express my deepest thanks to Price Chopper for providing another way for people to help their neighbors."

Auger added that more than 60 Connecticut Red Cross workers and three Emergency Response Vehicles from state Red Cross Chapters have been deployed to support hurricane relief work since late August.  "With the help of donations from the public and from partners like Price Chopper, we are making a difference for disaster victims."

The American Red Cross is providing lifesaving assistance to those affected by Hurricane Ike:

In Texas:

The Red Cross has served more than 157,400 meals and snacks to those affected by Hurricane Ike

1,691 Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground to assist.

More than one million ready-to-eat meals are in place.

11 Kitchens are in place.

108 Emergency Response Vehicles are in the state.

In Louisiana:

The Red Cross has served more than 1,157,200 meals to victims of Gustav and Ike

2,100 Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground to assist

More than 1,600 people spent last night in 19 shelters; at the height of the disaster, 60,000 people stayed in Red Cross shelters across 10 states

Additional Emergency Response Vehicles are moving into west Louisiana to provide mobile feeding to the most heavily affected areas.

"The Red Cross helps our fellow Americans recover from disasters, and now it's our turn to help them," said Neil Golub, president and chief executive officer of the Golub Corporation. "We are proud to partner with the Red Cross to do everything we can to help.  When Price Chopper shoppers purchase $1 Red Cross pin ups at the register, Price Chopper will match $1 for $1 up to $25,000."

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. For more information, call (800) REDCROSS. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.