St. Mary's County Government is accepting donations to assist those families that have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

So far, at least 13 families have relocated to St. Mary's County as a result of this natural disaster.

Cash donations only are being accepted by the St. Mary's County Division of Community Services which will be provided to the American Red Cross for the families in need.

Donations may be delivered to the St. Mary's County Division of Community Services at 23150 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown; Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. or mailed to the Division at P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650.  Please make checks payable to the American Red Cross.

Receipts will be made available for documentation and accountability purposes.

County officials say residents can also help by planning organization fundraisers or offering individual housing and transportation assistance to families who have temporarily relocated to St. Mary’s County.

For more information or questions regarding how you can help, please contact Cynthia Brown, Community Services Division Manager, 301-475-4200, extension 1846 or via e-mail at cynthia.brown@co.saint-marys.md.us.