Just a few minutes ago, I spoke with Tom Steward, the spokesman for the John McCain campaign in the Northern Mountain region, about the changing plans for the Republican convention. I fortuitously caught him just as he received an update on the efforts at the RNCC to assist the people hit by Hurricane Gustav. Tom read the details that he had just received from his Blackberry:

Tom forwarded me the details while I was editing the spot for upload. Note that they will try to get relief to a number of states hit by storms in recent days. The McCain campaign has a new website, Cause Greater, to direct fundraising efforts:

The governors of the five states have recommended charitable organizations that are helping with relief efforts. We are working to coordinate and encourage donations to these groups.

Louisiana: AidMatrix

Governor Jindal directs visitors to his website to AidMatrix, a leading aid organization that mobilizes more than $1.5 billion in aid annually, worldwide. The donated goods, money and services benefit the lives of more than 65 million people.

Mississippi: Mississippi Hurricane Recovery Fund

The Mississippi Hurricane Recovery Fund has been set up by Governor Haley Barbour to serve as the state’s central clearinghouse for corporations, organizations, and individuals to donate much needed money, equipment, goods, services, volunteers, and time to the hundreds of thousands of Mississippians who may be affected by Hurricane Gustav.

Alabama: Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund

In preparation for the possibility of Hurricane Gustav impacting Alabama, Governor Bob Riley and the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives are accepting offers of goods, volunteers, and financial donations.

Texas: Texas Responds

When activated by the State of Texas, Texas Responds serves as the State Portal for non-cash donations, such as goods and services.

Florida: Florida Disaster Fund

The mission of the Florida Disaster Recovery Fund is to raise funds to help Floridians recover from natural disasters by strengthening families and rebuilding communities.