Coloradans will gather to collect goods and raise funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Tomorrow, Thursday, September 8th, a bi-partisan benefit to raise funds and collect goods for the hurricane victims, called Concerned Coloradans, will meet on the State Capitol East Steps from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Colorado General Assembly, the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Metro Volunteers, 9 News, 5280 Magazine, KGNU Radio and the Colorado Statesman.

Please come join your neighbors to show Colorado's support for the New Orleans' evacuees. The General Assembly is accepting clothes, alarm clocks, toiletries, hygiene items, toys, phone cards, gas cards, bottled water, hand-held snacks (granola, energy and breakfast bars), beef jerky, peanut butter, canned meals (hearty soups, stews, chili, and/or pasta), plates, bowls, cups, utensils, disinfecting household cleaning items, bleach, and diapers. You can also donate cash or checks made payable to the Red Cross or the Salvation Army. In addition, you can sign up to either volunteer for the Red Cross or donate blood to Bonfils (http://www.bonfils.org).

General Assembly legislators and staff members will be volunteering for the event. The goods that will be collected will be distributed by the legislators and volunteers to various locations and families in need. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Rachel Kaygi at rkaygi@gmail.com

WHO: Concerned Coloradans, the Colorado General Assembly, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Metro Volunteers, 9 News, 5280 Magazine, KGNU, and the Colorado Statesman.

WHEN: Thursday, September 8th, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

WHERE: State Capitol East Steps; the City of Denver is donating the meters on Grant Street for parking or you can pull up to the curb to drop off donations.

If you aren't able to attend Thursday and/or want to act immediately, please make a contribution to one of the following organizations:

The Red Cross - www.denver-redcross.org
Metro Volunteers - www.metrovolunteers.org
The Salvation Army - www.salvationarmyusa.org
Emergency Housing Drive - www.hurricanehousing.org
The Gill Foundation - www.gillfoundation.org