WASHINGTON -- Saying it had received more money than it knew what to do with for now, the American Red Cross will stop seeking donations for its Sept. 11 relief fund as of Wednesday and that the $547 million pledged so far was enough to meet attack victims' needs for at least a year.
Officials of the charity said Tuesday that about $300 million has been spent or earmarked already for people directly affected by the hijack attacks that killed some 5,000 people.
The rest will be kept on hand to further help Sept. 11 victims or to provide relief after any future terrorist incidents, officials said.
"We believe at this time there are sufficient monies in that fund," Harold Decker, the organization's newly named interim chief executive, told reporters.
Decker said the Red Cross had made significant progress in distributing funds and was working to get aid checks to people within 48 hours of receiving their requests.
The Red Cross also has aided families of three people who died from anthrax sent through the mail.
Decker took over as chief executive for Bernadine Healy, who said Friday she was forced out of the organization after clashing with the board over the relief fund, known as the Liberty Fund, and other matters. She will stay on through year-end as president.
The American Red Cross, one of the world's largest charities, and Healy drew criticism for the fund's handling, with some questioning how the money would be spent and whether too much had been raised.
Given U.S. officials' warnings about possible future attacks on Americans, the Red Cross felt it was wise and appropriate to keep some money available to respond to any other attacks, Decker said.
"We are going to try and be good stewards of the money ... distributing it appropriately and making sure it goes to the right place," Decker said.
The American Red Cross has given disaster aid such as food and emotional support to families and rescue workers and also provides cash to cover financial expenses of families of people killed in the Sept. 11 attacks. Chief Financial Officer Jack Campbell said he thought the $300 million was sufficient to cover victims' needs for at least a year.
The Red Cross also works to maintain adequate blood reserves and provides communication and support services for military families.
After Wednesday, people can still donate to the Liberty Fund, but the Red Cross will stop airing television advertisements or otherwise soliciting donations for it.
The organization plans new public service announcements featuring people helped by the Liberty Fund donations.
Asked whether the Red Cross' reputation had been hurt by controversy surrounding the fund and Healy's departure, Decker said he thought the public understood that the organization was doing its best to deal with an unprecedented disaster.
"We're struggling to find the right way to provide assistance to the American people. It can't be perfect. It's fair to say we are learning," he said.
Decker, an attorney, joined the American Red Cross in May as corporate secretary and was named general counsel last month. Prior to that, he worked for 21 years at drug maker Pharmacia Corp.
He said the Red Cross board was searching for a permanent chief executive and president.
