Bermudians can donate funds, but their blood has not been requested to help the rescue effort currently underway in the United States.

Director of the Bermuda Red Cross, Ann Spencer-Arscott yesterday explained that the American Red Cross have not requested their help.

"Our office and the blood donor centre at the hospital have received several calls from people wanting to donate blood," she said, " but the American Red Cross have not asked for help and I did e-mail them on Tuesday."

Mrs. Spencer-Arscott explained that collecting blood for transport to the US would be problematic as the charity does not have appropriate packaging and refrigeration.

Mrs. Spencer-Arscott said callers had also enquired how they could help financially.

"We do have accounts that we can use for donations," she said, "but I cannot officially launch an appeal because they have not asked for help."

She said that anyone who wanted to make a donation should do so.

"Cheques can be made out to the Bermuda Red Cross," she said. "We will deposit them and then send them out as a draft to the American Red Cross in Washington."

Bermudians can take cheques directly the offices of the Red Cross on Berry Hill Road or can mail them to PO Box HM 772, HM CX.