Verizon offers text-message hurricane aid

BEDMINSTER, N.J., Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Verizon Wireless customers will be able to make $5 donations to Hurricane Katrina relief via text message on their wireless phones.

Customers can send a message to 2HELP or to 24357 with the keyword "help." They will then be asked to confirm a $5 contribution to the Red Cross. The donation, which can be made up to five times for a total of $25, will be tacked on to the customer's next bill.

The donations will be accepted through Oct. 31 and will be earmarked for Katrina relief. They are also tax deductible, according to Verizon.