The nation's United Ways and the New York Community Trust have established the September 11th Fund to help victims of terrorist attacks in New York City and elsewhere in the country Sept. 11.

The purpose of the fund is to mobilize resources to respond to the pressing needs of the victims and their families and all those affected by the tragedy, the United Way of New York City and the New York Community Trust said in a joint release.

Funds will be administered by the two organizations, which will form a distribution committee to ensure that resources are deployed effectively in New York and other cities affected by these tragic events, the release said. The Council on Foundations is supporting the effort.

The fund will provide immediate support to established emergency assistance agencies, such as the American Red Cross. It will also bring together the resources of other nonprofit health and human service agencies.

Gifts to the fund may be sent in care of the United Way of New York City, 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016, (212) 251-4035. Donors may specify the community (New York City or Washington, D.C.) where they would like their contributions to help. Contributions can also be accepted through the Web site of the United Way of New York City: www.uwnyc.org.