Friends:

I'm sure most of you following the news have seen reports of the terrible flooding in West Virginia, which has left many families struggling. We learned recently that Amtrak employees are organizing a donation program for these hard-hit families, with plans to use eastbound and westbound Cardinal trains to ship donated items to White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., next week.

We heard from several members who would like to join in these efforts to help, so we're passing along the details in hopes that you, too, might donate to this effort. But, in order to get items to the train on time, the deadline to donate items is 12 p.m., Tuesday July 26th, and 4 p.m. on Monday, July 25th for Chicago Union Station.

According to the American Red Cross, school supplies and kids' backpacks are the most-needed items. Amtrak employees are accepting donated supplies and backpacks in your area, and we're encouraging NARP members to contribute by dropping off backpacks and school supplies at the following designated stations:

Washington Union Station, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Lost & Found office

New York Penn Station, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Lost & Found office

Philadelphia 30th St. and Wilmington stations, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the baggage counter

Chicago Union Station, from 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., at the Passenger Services desk

Boston South Station, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the baggage facility

New Haven Station, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the baggage facility

We think this is a wonderful way to reach out and help those along the Cardinal route who have been affected by these terrible floods, and another example of the vital role the Cardinal can play throughout the region.

If you live in these areas above and can help with school supplies and backpacks, please do consider dropping off a donation by the Monday or Tuesday deadlines.

Jim Mathews- President & CEO