This is an open letter to the Long Island community from Victor C. Hackett, Jr., CEO of the American Red Cross in Nassau County.

We have heard much in recent weeks about the American Red Cross' response as a national organization to the Sept. 11 tragedies, however, I would like to let you know what disaster services and compassionate support the Nassau County chapter is providing.

The human needs resulting from the brutal attacks are unprecedented and the American Red Cross is responding in an unprecedented manner. The events of Sept. 11 have required the most extensive response in the history of the American Red Cross - calling upon every service: disaster, blood, international, armed forces services - to work at peak.

In Nassau County, dedicated American Red Cross staffers and volunteers have been working countless hours during this most difficult time, especially for Long Islanders who have been affected by these tragic events. While Americans watched in shock and horror, the American Red Cross in Nassau County's Disaster Operations Center was activated immediately. Our first priority was delivering urgently needed supplies to rescuers. The services our chapter provided include:

* Convoyed 70 tons of supplies to Ground Zero.

* Opened shelters to house stranded commuters who work on Long Island and live in New York City.

* Sheltered 300 stranded airline passengers and crew from JFK and LaGuardia.

* Served over 5,000 (and rising) people with crisis counseling in person and by phone.

* Opened a Family Service Center in the Garden City Hotel for families seeking financial assistance that is now located at chapter headquarters in Mineola.

* Integrated Care Teams are contacting families identified as survivors of victims and meeting with them in their homes to assess financial, emotional and other needs.

* American Red Cross in Nassau County will provide support for our community for the long term.

In addition to our ongoing role in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, we have continued our day-to-day operations without interruption. Since Sept. 11 we have assisted 24 families who have been affected by 16 dwelling fires. This includes shelter, food, clothing, emotional support, referrals, and other needs. The American Red Cross in Nassau County relies heavily on donations, volunteers and support from our own community. This allows us to provide disaster relief and compassionate aid in Nassau County any hour, any day.

We are here to help Long Islanders affected by the tragedies on Sept. 11. For emotional support, monetary assistance or other services, contact the American Red Cross in Nassau County at 747-3500 or our American Red Cross national hotline, 1-866-GET INFO.

Victor C. Hackett, Jr.,