In light of the disastrous events that occurred in the Gulf Coast last week, Gary Sinise (Mac Taylor) has launched a Hurricane Katrina charity effort.

Sinise announced in the official Lt. Dan Band website he will be providing help to the victims of the hurricane through his organization Operation Iraqi Children. The aforementioned was founded by the actor to make school supplies available to Iraqi children, but this time the school supplies will be sent to children in need in the US. “We are accepting donations that will be used to purchase school supplies and other items for the children who have been displaced by the hurricane."

The CSI: New York star also urged his fans to make donations through any organization of their choosing. “It is important to remember that the efforts to help the victims in the South will go on for a very long time and it is critical that we all try to do whatever is possible on an ongoing basis."

“The effects of this tragedy will be felt for years and the survivors in this part of our nation will need help for many, many months to come," he continued. "So, throughout the next year do not forget them. There are many charities out there to support."

Meanwhile, CBS will join 28 other television stations in an effort to urge people to help Katrina victims by airing an aiding telethon. Shelter From The Storm: A Concert For The Gulf Coast will be broadcast in the US and at least 95 other countries on September 9th. A large crop of celebrities, including actors and musicians, have already volunteered to participate.

Conventional telethons usually lasted 24 hours, but Shelter From The Storm will only go on for an hour, though various networks will repeat it through the day. While the telethon airs, viewers will be able to contribute to either the American Red Cross or The Salvation Army’s Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts. Other methods of aid will also be announced during the event.

Shelter From The Storm will air September 9th. More information on the event can be found at the Futon Critic. Visit the Operation Iraqi Children official website to read more about Sinise's relief effort or make a donation.

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