War in the Balkans: Money keeps on coming in

THE INDEPENDENT'S Kosovo appeal yesterday reached pounds 340,000 - up more than pounds 90,000 on the previous day. The total raised by the Disasters Emergency Committee has now topped pounds 7m.

Donors have been told that pounds 5 will buy a blanket, pounds 10 a hygiene pack, pounds 30 will keep a family fed for a month and pounds 250 will buy a tent to house several families. The Independent launched the DEC appeal with its readers last week, prompting a massive response.

The joint appeal has been organised on behalf of the British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Cafod, CARE International UK, Children's Aid Direct, Concern Worldwide, Help The Aged, Merlin, Oxfam, Save The Children, Tearfund and World Vision, to prevent the public being bombarded with separate appeals.

Charity heads said the scale of the disaster was such that a planned joint effort was needed to make sure the aid got to the people who most needed it as soon as possible.

Donations can be made to the appeal on 0870 6060900 or 0990 222233. Donations can also be sent to Disasters Emergency Committee Kosovo Appeal, PO Box 999, London, EC4A 9AA. Cash can be given at banks, building societies and post offices. Cheques should be made payable to Kosovo Crisis Appeal. Updates can be obtained via ITV Teletext page 520, or the DEC Internet site (www.dec.org.uk).