October 11, 2006 – More than one year after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, retired and active New York City fire fighters are helping affected families recover.

Members of the Unformed Fire Fighters Association of New York Local 94 and New York Uniformed Fire Officers Association Local 854 organized the “Mission of Hope” to provide truckloads of supplies for those in the Hurricane Katrina disaster zone. Today, the Mission of Hope is focused collecting toys to make sure children victimized by the hurricane enjoy a proper holiday season this year.

The deadline for all donations is Friday, November 17.

“We want to fill seven trucks full of toys,” says Tom O’Connor, program spokesperson and a retired Unformed Fire Fighters Association of New York Local 94 and New York Uniformed Fire Officers Association Local 854 fire fighter. “That’s a lot of toys, so we need donated toys and funding for the trip.”

Penske Truck Leasing has donated two trucks to the cause, and will provide five additional trucks at a reduced rate. Help is needed in filling the trucks with toys, sleeping bags and essential supplies. The Mission of Hope is also looking for financial contributions to pay for the trucks, fuel and other traveling expenses.

Send checks payable to the 9/11 Families for Katrina Relief:

9/11 Families for Katrina Relief
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
Tax I.D. #20-3487800

For more information or to coordinate a toy donation, contact Tom O’Connor at skulldoon.toc@verizon.net.

The Steven Siller Foundation was created after Siller was killed in the line of duty at the World Trade Center on 9/11. The foundation serves the needs of children who have lost one or more parents and sponsors educational scholarships, counseling, financial support and other related activities in an effort to bring hope and healing to these children.