BALTIMORE, MD -- In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore will be collecting funds to support relief efforts in areas hit hardest by the recent storm.

Money collected locally by THE ASSOCIATED will be distributed to the Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) Hurricane Relief Fund. The Fund is designed to aid in recovery and rebuilding efforts and provide assistance in Sandy-affected areas. JFNA represents 155 Jewish Federations and over 300 independent Jewish communities in North America.

JFNA will distribute the money to Federation partners in affected areas. One hundred percent of all funds will go towards relief efforts.

“The coming days and weeks will be extremely difficult for those hardest hit by this storm,” said Marc B. Terrill, President of THE ASSOCIATED. “Guided by our Jewish principles, we are reaching out a hand to those in need and have opened a mailbox for hurricane relief. This effort is our way to demonstrate that the Jewish community sends our support and prayers to those affected by the hurricane, and we will stand beside them during the recovery and rebuilding. “

JFNA has set up an Emergency Committee which is in contact with potentially impacted Federations and communities. They have communicated with affected Federations to assess damage and communal needs.

To donate locally to the fund, go to www.associated.org or call 410-369-9300.

#  #  #

THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore preserves and enhances Jewish life by addressing charitable, educational, religious, humanitarian, health, cultural and social service needs of the Jewish community in Baltimore, in Israel and throughout the world. As the central fundraising entity for the Baltimore Jewish community, THE ASSOCIATED raises more than $30 million each year, with two-thirds aiding Jews in need locally and the remainder funding programs overseas. The Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC) is the designated political and community relations arm of THE ASSOCIATED and its agencies.