In the Bay Area, the Volunteer Center of Silicon Valley, in partnership with the American Red Cross, is recruiting individual volunteers and groups from various nonprofit and community organizations, local businesses and corporations.

"We need financial resources and we need people," said Evan Low, community affairs manager at the center. "We've recruited 300 volunteers already. Many corporations have given complimentary time off to their employees so that they can go and help."

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has asked the state of California to recruit 120 volunteers a day for the next six to eight weeks, according to Low.

He said local Red Cross chapters offer volunteers an initial orientation before they are sent to the affected areas. Travel, lodging and other personal expenses will be provided.

"We're trying to connect volunteers with the various needs that are arising. We're the contact point. The Red Cross is too busy," he said.

Low said that he had gotten a number of calls from local families who are stuck in New Orleans. "It is important to reach out and help. If California was struck by an earthquake, the rest of the country would be helping us," he said.

Those who want to volunteer or help can contact Richard Vega, director of information and referral services, Volunteer Center of Silicon Valley, at 408.247.1126, ext. 309, or email him at irdirector@vcsv.us. Evan Low, community affairs manager at the center, can be reached at 408.247.1126, ext. 308.