Hurricane Katrina Briefs

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 142 Sand Hill Road, South Brunswick, will celebrate St. Francis Day Oct. 2 with a blessing of the animals service at 5 p.m., during which an offering will be collected for the Humane Society of the United States’ rescue efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. The public is invited — along with pets on leashes or in pet carriers — for the half-hour service. For more information, call the church at (732) 297-4607.

Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey has announced effective immediately that victims of Hurricane Katrina who have sought refuge in New Jersey are eligible for cash assistance, food stamps, health care, counseling and other emergency aid through the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS). Victims temporarily living in New Jersey are being asked to call 211 — the statewide social services information line — to access assistance.

Additionally, the DHS’s Division of Mental Health Services — Disaster Branch, in conjunction with the Mental Health Association of New Jersey, is proving a toll-free crisis-counseling help line. Counselors can help locate counseling assistance for evacuees or other individuals experiencing emotional stress related to the hurricane. The help-line number is 1-877-294- 4357.

South Brunswick Township — in conjunction with the South Brunswick Municipal Alliance — has established a relief fund for the victims. Checks may be made payable to South Brunswick Township with a notation in the memo area that the donation be designated for Hurricane Katrina Relief. Donations may be mailed to South Brunswick Municipal Building, Katrina Relief Fund, P.O. Box 190, Monmouth Junction 08852.

The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, Roseland, has announced its “Disaster Recovery Guide” is available to state residents assisting evacuees from the Gulf Coast, or those who have family or friends affected by Hurricane Katrina. The guide covers topics such as documenting losses for tax and insurance purposes, and replacing personal identification papers, and includes IRS forms for use in filing casualty loss claims. For a copy of the guide, call (973) 226-4494, ext. 246, or e-mail communications@njscpa.org. The guide is also online at www.njscpa.org/recovery.

The North Brunswick Republican Club, in conjunction with Our Lady of Peace Church and Auto Zone of North Brunswick, will hold a Hurricane Relief Charity Car Wash Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace Church, Route 130, North Brunswick (rain date Oct. 15). Proceeds will go to Catholic Charities, The Salvation Army and World Vision hurricane relief outreaches to aid the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. For more information, call Peter Maimone at (732) 604-1333 or pete@zastko.com.