Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn announced that starting today employees of the City of New York will be able to set aside part of their paychecks directly to aid in Hurricane Sandy disaster relief efforts. The funds will go to the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, which has already raised over $35 million for hurricane restoration efforts. Funds raised are being used to address the most immediate needs in hurricane affected neighborhoods, including water, hot food, toiletries, baby supplies, warm clothing and blankets, cleaning materials and other supplies. The funds raised will also address long-term needs, including housing and other efforts to re-build and restore neighborhoods and communities affected by Hurricane Sandy. One hundred percent of all donations will be dispersed to support relief efforts and organizations.

"So many City employees have done extraordinary work in responding to Hurricane Sandy, and we want it as easy as possible for all City workers to contribute to the relief efforts," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Small donations can make a big difference, and this new program is one more way we can help those most in need."

"This automatic payroll deduction program is a simple and convenient way for City employees to further help in the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts," said Speaker Quinn. "I can't thank our city employees enough for their dedication and hard work and I encourage those who can contribute to do so and help New Yorkers in need."

The new City payroll deduction program will begin with the paychecks and direct deposits issued on November 23, 2012. All City employees who wish to participate may donate a specified amount of money from each paycheck earmarked to further Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in the aftermath of the devastating natural disaster and subsequent events. These tax-deductible deductions will run for two months spread over four pay periods.

To support the City's emergency response needs and long-term restoration efforts, the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City has raised over $35 million to date from over 10,000 donors from around the City and across the country.  City employees and any New Yorker that wish to contribute can also visit www.nyc.gov or call 311 to learn more about how to help.

Other ways to contribute include:

• To donate by phone: call 311 (212-NEW-YORK outside New York City)
• Online: www.nyc.gov/fund
• By mail: make check payable to Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, 253 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York City, New York 10007 (note: NYC Hurricane Relief)
• Via text message: donate $10 immediately by texting NYCFUND to 50555 using your mobile phone.