Toyota companies are contributing USD5 million to provide disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Katrina, which hit the US Gulf Coast on August 29.

The money comes from Toyota motor vehicle companies and distributorships and Toyota Financial Services. Toyota Material Handling USA (TMHU) Inc has donated forklifts to the American Red Cross and established a relief fund to aid its dealers and dealership employees affected by the hurricane.

TMHU will match all employee contributions to the American Red Cross and all dealer contributions to TMHU's relief fund.

Toyota Financial Services and Lexus Financial Services will assist finance and lease customers affected by Hurricane Katrina by offering 90-day extensions on payments, suspending credit bureau reporting on accounts impacted by the storm and temporarily suspending collection efforts on the accounts.

Customers who wish to discuss their accounts should call +1-800-874-8822.