American Airlines and United Way have announced that the “Miles to Move Forward” program—initiated in response to the many families separated after Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast in late August—has surpassed 100,000,000 AAdvantage miles donated.The “Miles to Move Forward” program provides
assistance with air transportation for individuals displaced this
hurricane season. To begin the program, American Airlines donated 1 million AAdvantage
miles to the effort. Since that time, thousands of more than 50 million
AAdvantage members have contributed by donating a minimum of 1,000
miles. The program has helped countless people reunite with loved ones
or start anew, such as the Jackson family of New Orleans, La.

India Jackson and her four-year-old daughter, Ayanna left New Orleans
the day before Katrina hit. After enduring a grueling 18-hour road trip
to a temporary shelter in Texas, India and Ayanna were safe but unsure
where to turn next. Fortunately, they were offered housing and
resettlement assistance along with other selected hurricane-evacuee
families in New Paltz, located in New York’s Hudson Valley. With
nowhere else to go, India jumped at the chance to relocate. Thanks to
the “Miles to Move Forward” program, India and Ayanna flew to their new
home and have begun a new life. “I want to thank American Airlines and
United Way for all the help we’ve received,” she said. “I feel very
blessed.”

“We are thrilled that this program has helped so many reunite with
loved ones or relocate to a place where they can be safe and secure,” 
said Brian Gallagher, President and CEO of United Way of America. “The
combined strength of United Way’s presence in communities nationwide
and the generosity of American Airlines and its AAdvantage members has
made a huge difference in helping people - many of whom have lost
everything - heal and begin again.”

“The response of our AAdvantage members has been overwhelming,” said
Kurt Stache, President-AAdvantage Marketing Programs for American
Airlines. “The generous spirit has grown American’s initial donation of
one million miles to over 100 million miles. We are truly grateful for
the support from our members to help those in need by donating to the
‘Miles to Move Forward’ program.”
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