(BP) - Southern Baptist relief funds are assisting victims' families and survivors of the Sept. 3 terrorist massacre in Beslan, Russia.

The International Mission Board released $5,000 from its general relief fund to help in the aftermath of the 53-hour standoff that took the lives of 326 hostages - half of them children. Two leaders of the Russian Baptist Union were able to use the funds to assist grieving families with burial expenses and other needs.

Russian security services said the terrorists who took over the school were Chechen rebels. Beslan is located in North Ossetia, a Russian Federation republic near Chechnya, where separatists have been fighting a bloody battle for independence from Russia.

Yuri Sipko, president of the Russian Baptist Union, and Nicholai Sobolov, an RBU regional vice president, counseled and prayed with those affected by the tragedy, said IMB missionary Ed Tarleton.

"The Russian Baptist Union quickly mobilized to reach out to the hundreds of people affected by this tragedy," Tarleton said. "They are working with multiple agencies and helping all who are in need."

Individuals and churches interesting in contributing to a relief fund may send designated checks to Russian Children - General Relief, International Mission Board, P.O. Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230.