From the smallest independent operators to the largest international companies, AFSA members have provided an outpouring of support for relief efforts following the December 26th Tsunami in South Asia.

Among the most common forms of support were corporate contributions to organizations such as the Red Cross as well as programs where companies matched personal contributions made by their employees.

Shown below is a sampling of support efforts by individual AFSA members and/or their parent companies. Based upon information provided by these companies to the association, the aggregate dollar value of these contributions is estimated to be between $15-20 million. As most of the matching programs are still in progress, a more precise dollar amount wont be known for some time.

Allison Payment Systems, LLC—Donated funds to the relief effort through a local religious group. Other individual contributions were made through similar means as well.

Ameriquest Mortgage Company—Is matching employees' contributions to various relief efforts.

Capital One—Volunteers provided the call center support for collection of donations during NBC's program "Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope" on January 15, 2005. Capital One also coordinated an internal program to allow associates to donate to the Tsunami relief efforts. Capital One will donate funds to the International Red Cross/Red Crescent and the UKs Disaster Emergency Committee to support humanitarian relief in the 12 countries. In addition to a corporate pledge, the company will match associate contributions on a two-for-one basis, up to a certain dollar amount.

Centex—Has encouraged employees to give via the large, established funds (Red Cross, UNICEF, etc.) via a global e-mail.

Citigroup—The Citigroup Foundation provided funds and matched employee donations to legitimate non-profit or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in support of the South Asia tsunami relief efforts with a corresponding contribution to the Red Cross.

Countrywide—On Dec. 30, the company announced to all employees that it would make a leadership grant to the Red Cross International Response Fund and match employee contributions. In addition to the Red Cross fund, suggested relief organizations include Direct Relief International, Project Hope and World Emergency Relief. Donations to any of them, and most other relief organizations, will be matched by the company.

DaimlerChrysler—Made an immediate donation for direct on-site relief efforts. DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund provided additional funds and announced an Employee Matching Program. DaimlerChrysler Services North America donated funds as well.

Fidelity National Loans—Branches have set up canisters in each office and proved active support at the community level. Several employees also are involved with working with groups within the state.

Harte-Hanks—Is raising money at each facility; contributions will be increased by a certain amount, direct from Harte-Hanks.

Irwin Home Equity (Through the Irwin Home Equity Foundation)—Committed funds to the Red Cross. Additionally, senior management distributed an e-mail reminding employees of a corporate commitment to matching individual contributions to eligible groups.

MBNA Corporation—Pledged funds to the Red Cross International Response Fund, and will match employee contributions (up to a certain amount) to any authorized fund aimed at tsunami relief.

New Century Financial/Mortgage Corp (NCFC)—Has offered to match 100% of its employees' donations to UNICEF on behalf of the tsunami disaster. To date, there have been donations from approximately 450 employees.

Nissan (through all of its companies)—In addition to its own corporate commitment, Nissan has established a special gift matching fund for employees making personal contributions toward the relief efforts. Nissan will match dollar-for-dollar all employees contributions to eligible organizations assisting with relief efforts.

Option One—Associates from Option One are contributing funds to the American Red Cross, which are being matched up to a certain amount by the company. Due to the magnitude of associates response, the company ended up raising the level of its matching funds. Associates from H&R Block Mortgage Corp., Option Ones parent, also are contributing generously to relief efforts.

Reliable Credit—Contributing funds to be split equally between the American Red Cross and the NW Medical Teams Group. The company also is matching all dollars contributed by employees.

Security Finance—Donated funds with the bulk of the contribution to the Red Cross.

Toyota—Following Toyota Motor Corporation's announcement of a direct donation to tsunami relief organizations, Toyota Motor North America (TMA) announced that Toyota's North American operations will match up to a certain amount in team member and associate contributions to the International Response Fund of the American Red Cross and UNICEF. In addition, Toyota and Lexus dealers and suppliers across the country have demonstrated their support through independent contributions.

United Finance Company—Is working through an employee, who is from Sri Lanka, and her brother and the Catholic Church to forward funds for their direct use in support of the relief efforts.