Binghamton, April 8, 2009.....Due to anticipated funeral expenses and other costs associated with the recent mass shootings, the Broome County Council of Churches is assisting the Crime Victims Assistance Center.

The Crime Victims Assistance Center can help, on a limited basis, affected families with funeral expenses and associated travel costs for the immigrants' families. As a result of budget limitations, the Council of Churches is collecting donations from the public that the Crime Victims Assistance Center can allocate to the families' needs. Any donors should make checks out to Broome County Council of Churches and note on their check memo line that the money is designated for the Crime Victims Assistance Center.

Any leftover funds collected by the Council of Churches will be placed in an educational trust fund for victims' families or hostage families. The Council of Churches will absorb any administrative costs associated with these transactions.

For the most part, needs have not yet been identified, but any donations are welcome.

HOPE needs:
Shampoo & conditioners, diapers, expecially size 4 and 5, feminine hygiene items. (UNOPENED items only please)

Jail Ministry needs:
Sweat suits (often large, in neutral colors to be worn by men or women), Full size shampoo & conditioner, feminine hygiene products, word puzzle books, playing cards, stamps, nearly new children's books.