New York, NY - September 14, 2005 - Everyone has been affected by the damage of Hurricane Katrina. Now it is hitting even closer to home here in New York, as individuals and families from the Gulf Coast are being relocated to the area. The Liberty is doing its part to help those victims. The team has donated more than 1,200 childrens' books to the Greater New York chapter of the American Red Cross.

The local ARC will distribute the books to children that arrive in the City while their families are being welcomed and processed. The organization has already had 300 people arrive and are expecting to receive up to 5,000 more. The ARC is working on a case-by-case basis to establish housing and other essential services for the victims. After enduring the ravages of the Hurricane, then making the long trip to New York, the Liberty hopes the books can ease the pain of the children when they get here.

The Liberty, as well as Madison Square Garden as a whole, was eager to support this cause. "We watched the devastation of the Gulf Coast due to Hurricane Katrina with horror and concern, and like everyone, we hoped to do something to ease the pain and assist with relief and rebuilding efforts," said Liberty General Manager Carol Blazejowski. "To that end, Madison Square Garden announced 'From the Big Apple to the Big Easy,' New York City's Concert for the Gulf Coast - two simultaneous concerts at The Garden and Radio City Music Hall on September 20 (further information on the benefit concerts can be found here on nyliberty.com). And now the Liberty has also made this donation to the New York area Red Cross. We hope that these books will provide some sort of comfort and enjoyment to the families that are being relocated to New York."

The Liberty encourages its fans to do their part in helping the relief efforts. Visit redcross.org or call the Red Cross help line at 800-HELP-NOW.