(August 31, 2008)—Sen. Barack Obama says he will tap his huge political network of donors and volunteers to help the victims of Hurricane Gustav after it comes inland.
Obama says he thinks he can get "tons of volunteers" to travel to the Gulf Coast, "if it becomes necessary."
He also thinks an e-mail list of a couple of million people "who want to give back" can be activated and he’s suggesting donations could include cash, goods and individual labor.
Obama says he first would ask officials in the affected areas what's most needed, which may not be known for a few days.
"We don't want to solicit a bunch of canned goods that can't get there, or, you know, bottles of water where they already have water,” he said.
Obama says he might visit storm-damaged areas once "things have settled down."
The Illinois Democrat made the comments after attending church in Lima, Ohio.
Expanded Forecast Center Storm Resources
Situation Reports From Governor’s Office Of Emergency Managment
Take Advantage Of Our Hurricane Tracker. Download News Central Desktop Alert
National Hurricane Center Web Site
National Weather Service Web Site