Merrill Lynch has announced a new effort to assist employees and clients wishing to contribute securities, cash and/or rewards points to September 11 relief efforts.

Clients and employees can put their resources to work for individuals and families affected by the September 11 tragedies by making electronic transfers from their Merrill Lynch accounts directly to the charities via a toll-free number. Clients can also contribute rewards points, which will be converted to cash.

The cash and securities will be donated at the participant’s direction to the United Way Of New York City September 11th Fund, The New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund or The Twin Towers Fund set up by New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

“We are responding to an overwhelming desire by our employees and clients to help the individuals and families most directly affected by the tragic events of September 11,” said James Gorman, newly-appointed president of Merrill’s U.S. Private Client Group. “This is one more way the Merrill Lynch family is joining the rest of the nation to move forward with resolve and hope.”

As part of the firm’s broader US$10 million commitment to relief efforts for the attacks, donations by Merrill Lynch employees will qualify for up to US$1,500 in matching funds from the Merrill Lynch Foundation. These contributions will be in addition to the company’s existing annual charitable contributions matching program of US$1.500 per employee.