How To Help After Hurricane Sandy
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The cleanup and the long road to recovery after Superstorm Sandy is in full swing. If you'd like to help, check out our list of resources.
American Red Cross Disaster Relief - Financial donations help the Red Cross provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by disasters like Hurricane Sandy. To donate, people can visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone's local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
Blood donations are needed not only because of the injuries caused by the powerful storm but also because 100 blood drives on the East Coast have been cancelled in 11 states. All blood types are needed right now. For more information on how to donate, go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
Become an American Red Cross Spontaneous Volunteer by contacting Leslie R. Fletcher, Director of Volunteer Administration, at leslie.fletcher@redcross.org or (215) 405-8558 or (267) 246-4521. Please do not let paperwork stand in your way as volunteers may get involved for 7 days before complete the background check completely.
Salvation Army - The Salvation Army encourages all residents of areas in the storm's path to stay informed of and heed all warnings and evacuation orders. Disaster response professionals recommend having a three-to-five day supply of food and water for each member of your family as well as flashlights, medication and battery powered radios. Monetary donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel are mobilized.
Donors are encouraged to give online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). You can also text the word "STORM" to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word "Yes."
Those interested in volunteering should register at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org. Please note that disaster service training is a prerequisite for volunteering in a disaster zone and not all registered volunteers will be called on to serve.
Feeding America – Feeding America is securing food, water and other supplies for Hurricane Sandy's victims. To learn more about Feeding America and its disaster relief operations, or to donate to the organization, please visit www.feedingamerica.org. Donations can also be accepted by calling 800-910-5524.
Americares – This nonprofit global health and disaster relief organization is preparing emergency kits for families affected by the hurricane. Designate your gift to the 'U.S. Disaster Relief Fund' at https://forgood.yahoo.com/donate/54/news
Philabundance – While it's not guaranteed that your donation will go directly to a Hurricane Sandy victim, the Philadelphia nonprofit is currently facing a critical food shortage. You can donate to the organization at www.philabundance.org.
Jersey Cares - Anyone who wants to volunteer in NJ can use this link as a resource or call 1-800-JERSEY7.
National Voluntary Organizations Active In Disaster – This non-profit organization is also offering ways to help victims of Superstorm Sandy. For more information visit: www.nvoad.org/sandy.
CBSPhilly.com will continue updating this resource guide as we hear of more organizations looking for donations or volunteers.
