Up to forty members of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) have responded to the call for humanitarian aid in the aftermath of the September 11 terror attacks, by providing cash and in-kind donations amounting to several million dollars.

A portion of this aid is being funneled through the AAFA’s charitable arm, the Apparel Foundation, which is partnering with agencies such as the Red Cross to get apparel, footwear and other aid to those in need.

"American apparel and footwear companies are doing all they can to alleviate the suffering that these attacks have caused," said AAFA President and COO Kevin Burke. "It’s inspiring to see that while America has suffered a severe blow, individuals, governments and private organisations, are pulling together to rebuild from the calamitous events of September 11."

The apparel and footwear donations to date include several dozen companies that have donated an estimated 12,000 pairs of steel-toe boots for use by fire, police and rescue workers operating on the still smoldering grounds of the World Trade Centre.

At least two AAFA-member companies, Liz Claiborne Inc. and New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc. have each committed $1 million toward various relief efforts. The Intimate Apparel Council, a division of the AAFA, has made a separate donation of $5,000 to the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation, which assists the families of federal law officers who have died in the line of duty.