WASHINGTON-CUNA has created an umbrella operation, the "Relief Effort and Support for Credit Unions" (R.E.S.C.U.), for greater efficiencies in relief efforts directed towards credit unions and their members affected by Hurricane Katrina. "CUNA and the Leagues had already been accomplishing a large chunk of a relief effort for credit unions, but under various programs, efforts and plans," CUNA President and CEO Dan Mica said. "The R.E.S.C.U. program brings all of these labors under one umbrella, and allows us to more effectively focus the movement's efforts in helping credit unions in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama get back on their feet, and continue serving their members." CUNA Vice President of Legislative Affairs and Senior Legislative Counsel Gary Kohn chimed in, "Those efforts have been considerable not only in raising money through and for the National Credit Union Foundation. It's also providing the leagues and credit unions with equipment and money and other things that they need to continue to reinstate service for our members." Mica pointed out, CUNA and the American Association of Credit Union League have been in daily contact since day one following the storm to coordinate the response efforts. Under R.E.S.C.U., CUNA will continue coordinating relief efforts and add: * Two toll-free telephone lines: 800-599-1197 for credit unions to call to find out how to make cash, equipment and other donations and 800-333-2862 for impacted credit unions to request assistance from the movement. * A central database to match up credit union donations, particularly of equipment and other resources, to the credit unions that need them. * Information about national, state and local resources relevant to credit unions and the hurricane disaster at www.cuna.org. * Updates on federal laws and regulations (proposed and existing) affecting credit unions and service to their members, utilizing RSS newsfeeds. Additional resources will be added as needed, according to CUNA.