Tragedy inspires charity

People across America were today responding with prayers and donations to the tragedy which ripped into the nation’s heart.

In churches across the country people knelt in prayer, wiped away tears and lit candles.

And companies and individuals responded to the tragedy by offering donations of time, goods and money to the cities of New York and Washington.

A fund called the September 11th Fund, established by the United Way of America and The New York Community Trust, has been established and has already received a one million dollar donation from the Bank of America.

The fund will provide immediate support to emergency assistance agencies, such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

Both have brought hundreds of volunteers to the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, working at everything from sifting through rubble to feeding exhausted workers.

Ken Lewis, chairman and chief executive of Bank of America, said: ‘‘We must do all we can to help the victims of this senseless violence.

‘‘We don’t yet know the full extent of damage and suffering, but today we are making a strong start toward helping people recover.’’

And across America, preparations were being made for a day of prayer and reflection for the victims of the terrorist atrocities and their relatives and friends.

An estimated 75,000 people in all 50 states were expected to participate in a national prayer vigil on Saturday afternoon.

One thousand churches had already signed up to the event and every religion and denomination was praying for the victims of the tragedy.

Commissioner Joe Noland of The Salvation Army said: ‘‘Our hearts are broken for the victims of Tuesday’s tragedies, their families, and for America.

‘‘Though the Salvation Army is on site providing assistance to our friends and neighbours who are the victims of this tragic event, our deepest desire would be that all Americans do what we have always done in times of national tragedy hold fast to our faith and pray for our president and all our nation’s leaders.’’

Dr Tim Clinton of the American Association of Christian Counsellors said: ‘‘We have specially trained counsellors with the crisis response skills necessary to help people who have suffered deep emotional wounds in this horrendous attack.

‘‘We are calling upon them to step in and help where they can.’’

And late last night the two houses of Congress gathered together in the dome of the Capitol building for a service of prayer.

Congressional leaders swore the country’s oath of allegiance, sang God Bless America and prayed for the victims and the nation.

John Lewis, a congressman and civil rights hero said: ‘‘It is shocking, it is unbelievable, but it did happen.

‘‘We stand together tonight, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as citizens of the world with pain and hurt. We are one people. We are one family. We are one nation.’’