9.13.2001 ET

(CSRwire) The funds will be primarily earmarked for the education of the children of firefighters, police officers and other uniformed emergency personnel who lost their lives as a result of the attacks. This part of the contribution will be channeled through one or more organizations. Another portion of the contribution will go to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to meet immediate needs in both New York City and Washington, D.C.

"The magnitude of the human suffering inflicted on innocent people through these senseless acts is almost beyond comprehension," DuPont Chairman and CEO Chad Holliday said. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and their families. We hope that these donations can in some small way help the loved ones of these heroic individuals as they begin the long and painful process of healing and moving on with their lives."

Chad added that DuPont is giving the highest priority to producing materials and products used in disaster relief, recovery and rebuilding. Many of these products play a key role in the daily protection of firefighters, police officers and emergency personnel. "As with past disasters, we stand ready to provide expertise and resources to help the U.S. government and local authorities manage this disaster and its far reaching effects," he said.

DuPont also is encouraging employees to make individual donations to their local Red Cross chapters, the Blood Bank and United Way, all of which have organized disaster relief efforts. Many DuPont sites across the nation are coordinating blood drives and other efforts in cooperation with local agencies.