LOS ANGELES (August 28, 2008) The Los Angeles-based international disaster relief agency, Operation USA, is planning to assist communities affected by Hurricane Gustav.

Operation USA was active in Hurricanes Katrina and Rita which struck Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi on August 29, 2005 (Katrina) and again in mid September, 2005 (Rita). The disaster relief agency made over $2.5 million in grants and sent over $14 million in material aid to partner nonprofit clinics, schools and other community-based nonprofits in need of support.

"It is chilling and ironic that Hurricane Gustav may hit American territory just as the Republican Party convenes in Minneapolis to review the past 8 years of GOP national governance," said Richard M. Walden, President of Operation USA. "The response by FEMA to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita was and still is inadequate. When combined with Democratic misrule at the state and local levels in Louisiana, and an insensitive Republican-run state government in Mississippi, government in general has been found wanting. It is up to the community-based organizations, foundations and companies to ensure that this time there are adequate safety measures in place to mitigate the effects of this so-far devastating storm."

Operation USA is appealing to individuals, foundations and companies for money and appropriate relief supplies to enable it to respond effectively wherever on our shores Hurricane Gustav strikes on Sunday, August 31 and/or Monday, September 1, 2008.

HOW TO HELP: Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 800.678.7255 or, by check to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave., Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

Corporate contributions of essential products in bulk and with at least one year's remaining shelf life can be arranged by calling Neil Frame or Jason Cuomo, Operation USA, 310.838.3455.