As part of the effort to help those hit by Hurricane Katrina, the National Wood Flooring Association said it is organizing an "in kind" assistance program that calls for members outside the areas hit by the storm to loan tools and equipment to colleagues in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. The St Louis-based trade association also said it will waive the 2005-06 annual membership fees for members in the affected areas. NWFA's executive director Ed Korczak said the initial response from members has been "staggering." He added that "offers of free materials, tools, jobs, relocation assistance and housing are pouring in to our offices. NWFA is contacting all its members in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi to find out what assistance they need."

The NWFA sent the following memo from Korczak to its members outlining the program and encouraging member participation:

"I am sure our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. I know many of you are wondering how you can help those unfortunate victims ravaged by the storm.

"The American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other agencies are swiftly focusing on providing food, water, shelter and other life needing support. We applaud these agencies for their swift relief efforts and we urge you to make a financial contribution to one of these agencies.

"Many of the victims in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi are fellow NWFA members. As they "clean up" after Katrina and begin to put their businesses back in place, they will need help only you as a fellow wood flooring professional can give. While the charitable agencies can provide them with assistance to food and shelter, only you, as an industry peer, can offer "in kind" assistance to help them get their businesses back in operation.

"Some ‘in kind' assistance may include loaning installation and sanding equipment for them to use while their equipment is in repair or being replaced. Perhaps your firm would consider a special ‘disaster' discount for our fellow members in these stricken areas to assist them in repairing or replacing necessary equipment. It is this "in-kind" generosity and support that keeps the NWFA a family that cares about and helps each other.

"Since there is widespread loss of power and cell phone towers, it is impossible to communicate with these members currently. This gives each of us some time to consider their plight and consider the "in-kind" support we are able to offer. Please consider this request as an invitation to join with NWFA in helping our fellow members rebuild their businesses and lives.

"The NWFA Board of Directors has unanimously approved waiving the 2005-06 annual membership fees for our members in the affected areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Won't you join with us and let me know what "in-kind" support your company will make available to our less fortunate colleagues?

"Simply write or e-mail me your "in-kind" offering and NWFA will gladly advise all affected members of your offer of assistance."

The NWFA can be contacted at 111 Chesterfield Industrial Blvd., Chesterfield, MO 63005, phoned at (800) 422-4556, or e-mailed at info@nwfa.org.