passed the $10,000 mark one week after its launched.

The local charity announced last Tuesday that it was joining forces with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Geneva, Switzerland who launched a cash appeal to help the efforts of many Red Cross societies in Albania and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

And yesterday they revealed that $10,000 had been raised.

But the Red Cross said: "Funds are desperately needed to help the relief agencies meet the increasing level of need and provide essential relief items such as food, shelter materials, medicines, blankets, mattresses, water and sanitation materials.'' Donations are still being accepted at the following accounts: Bank of Bermuda -- account no. 701-19842; Bank of Butterfield Son Ltd. -- account no. 006-060-663859-200; Gibbons Deposit Company -- account no. 16016.

Donations can also be mailed to Bermuda Red Cross, Kosovo Refugees, Charleswood, 9 Berry Hill Road, Paget DV03.