Ways to Help In the Wake of Hurricane Sandy
It’s been a week since Hurricane Sandy walloped the East Coast, and many people from Virginia to Rhode Island are still lacking basic necessities like food, power and shelter. With a Nor’easter expected to hit this week, life is still a long way from normal for those affected.
The good news is that thousands of volunteers have been working tirelessly to help with recovery efforts, and there are ways that you too can donate your time, energy and money to the cause, even if you don’t live in the immediate area. We’ve put together a list of ways that you can contribute to relief efforts – and, with the holidays coming up, now is the perfect time to give thanks for what you have by giving to others.
Donate Food, Clothing and Money
We’ve already posted links for the American Red Cross on our Facebook, Google+ and Twitter pages, but if you haven’t donated yet (or didn’t see the posts), you can do so on their website. Financial donations make the greatest and most immediate impact, helping the Red Cross provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by the hurricane. To donate $10 via phone, just text the word REDCROSS to 90999.
The Salvation Army is aiding those in crisis with hot meals, water and shelter. To donate, you can visit their website and enter your pledge information. Alternatively, you can send a $10 donation via text message by texting the word STORM to 80888, and confirm the donation with the word “Yes.” They are also accepting used clothing and furniture donations at local Salvation Army locations. With temperatures dropping into the 20s this week, and many people still without power, winter coats, gloves, hats and blankets are much needed.
New Jersey was one of the hardest hit states, with Sandy bringing unthinkable devastation to parts of the coastline and some of the state’s most identifiable landmarks. Governor Chris Christie and his wife Mary Pat have started the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund. Donations are being accepted through the fund’s website, as well as through the mail.
Volunteer Your Time, Skills and Supplies
The NYC Mayor’s Office is urging people to sign up to help with recovery efforts through NYC Service. They are seeking volunteers for various tasks, including cleaning up NYC parks, door-to-door visits to residents in some of the hardest hit neighborhoods, recruiting medically credentialed individuals to support NYC shelters and volunteers to support community soup kitchens and food pantries serving New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Many New York and New Jersey businesses lost thousands of dollars in revenue due to power outages and flood damage. If you do live in the tri-state area, a great way to support their recovery efforts is to eat out (if you can) at local restaurants, and tipping well is certainly encouraged!
