As the Irene cleanup and relief efforts continued in hard-hit and isolated communities in Vermont and New Jersey, the National Credit Union Foundation on Wednesday activated its online disaster relief system to raise funds for CU personnel affected by the catastrophic weekend storm.

"We encourage credit union leaders all across the country to use CUAid.coop as a channel to collect donations from their employees, volunteers and members," said NCUF Executive Director Bucky Sebastian. "Everyone who supports CUAid is helping affected credit union people directly with critical needs, longer-term recovery needs, operational needs and assisting credit union members."

Under CUAid, CU supporters can make donations through a secured website that accepts credit cards and wire transfers.