Hurricane Sandy & 10 Ways You Can Help Families In Need
The last couple of weeks have been a trying time for me as I’ve watched friends, family, colleagues and peers lose everything from the power in their homes to their entire homes. Some insurance policies are covering the damages, while others aren’t so lucky. It’s heartbreaking and terrifying.
10 Ways You Can Help
Regardless of where you live in the world, there are many ways you can help those families and children who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy.
If you do happen to live in the close vicinity, I’ve included additional resources, but keep in mind there is still so much you can do! Offer to cook a friend dinner, invite the kids over for a sleepover, bring them in while they wait out the power outage (yes some families are still without power!), visit your local food bank and donate groceries and/or volunteer time. Every little bit counts!
Baby Buggy
I’ve been an avid supporter of Baby Buggy for three years now. They are dedicated to helping mothers and children who are in need. Currently they are in dire need of warm winter coats. They have asked for sizes 0-5 in particular. You can ship them directly to Baby Buggy, 306 W 37th St 8 fl NY, NY 10018. If you include your return address, they will mail you a receipt.
Another need is diapers. If you live locally, you can them off, or another idea is to have diapers shipped from www.Diapers.com. Cash donations are always welcome.
Photo credit: woodleywonderworks
Feeding America
As of yesterday Feeding America has donated 28 truckloads of food and grocery products to food banks who are currently supporting Hurricane Sandy disaster relief efforts. You can help by donating, or find your local food bank to see how they help during disasters.
Rebuilding Together
Together we can do anything!
Rebuilding Together is a wonderful network of 200 affiliated non-profits that bring over 200,000 volunteers together to help rebuild and rehabilitate homes. They do incredible work, I encourage you to visit their website to see how you can help/donate. Rebuilding is something many will need I fear…
Rock Center
Rock Center has said that families with children are asking for gift cards to Babies R Us and Target. You can send them directly to Rock Center with Brian Williams, 30 Rockerfeller Plaza #412E, NY, NY 101112.
The link above also provides a great list of schools and organizations in Staten Island that are accepting donations of blankets, coats, gloves, hats, cleaning supplies, etc.
New York Cares
New York Cares is a great organization that rallies up local residents to help during times like this. You can either volunteer for one of the response projects in the city, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation.
Save the Children
Save the Children is a fantastic organization that has already begun to deploy people to the hardest hit areas of New York and New Jersey. In shelters, Save the Children is providing basic necessities for young children, such as nutritious food items, baby blankets, clothing and hygiene supplies. To donate or for more information, visit their website.
Red Cross
The Red Cross has been working tirelessly to help as many people in need as possible, but your help is needed in order to continue to support their relief efforts. The Red Cross’ top priority is to get supplies, meals and water to affected areas. All donations will provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by the storm. To donate, visit www.redcross.org, call 800-Red-Cross or text the word “Redcross” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Canadians text “RedCross” to 30333.
Photo credit: Red Cross
Volunteer Locally
Samaritan’s Purse has established bases in Bergen, Atlantic and Ocean Counties, areas that were hit the hardest by Hurricane Sandy. They are asking for volunteers in the local or surrounding areas. If you are unable to volunteer, you can also donate by visiting their website.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has been working non stop to help families and individuals who have been impacted by Hurricane Sandy in New York City and New Jersey. Staff and volunteers are providing people with food, hydration and clean-up kits, as well as emotional care. For up to date information, please visit their blog or visit their website to make a donation.
As a mother I can’t imagine the horror and stress many of these families are going through with so many of them having to start over again from scratch. As with everything in the media, the hype is beginning to die down already. Hurricane Sandy is no longer front page news and it is no longer trending on the internet. The sad thing is, this is the time it should be broadcasted the most. So many families need help right now and those of us willing to give that help are at a loss on where and how we can do so.
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