Sept. 15, 2005

The UCLA Athletic Department today announced that it will begin collecting donations to assist the families of UCLA student-athletes affected by Hurricane Katrina.

NCAA guidelines state that student-athletes affected by the disaster and their families may accept financial assistance from outside sources for educational expenses or expenses related to the disaster. Sources of this assistance may include fans, donors and all members of the Bruin family.

"We are encouraging our fans to help us assist the families of UCLA student-athletes who have been adversely affected by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath," said Athletic Director Dan Guerrero. "At the same time, it is important to stress that donations from our fan base need to be made through the athletic department and not directly to any of our student-athletes in accordance with NCAA rules."

UCLA fans wishing to help the families of UCLA's student-athletes should make checks payable to "UCLA Foundation" and mailed to the UCLA Athletic Department - Katrina Relief Fund, P.O. Box 24044, Los Angeles, CA 90024-0044