Hurricane Sandy Relief – Ways You Can Help

Many residents along the east coast lost power, saw a small amount of coastal flooding and uprooted trees, but that is all a far cry from what the people of New Jersey and New York experienced. By now you’ve seen the devastation on the evening news. Hundreds are without power, food, and heat.

If you’d like to help your fellow Americans, there are many ways you can contribute. The American Red Cross is accepting cash donations, and coordinating blood drives.
 
Donate by Cell Phone:
You can donate $10 to the American Red Cross by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999.
You can donate $10 to the Salvation Army by texting “STORM” to 80888.
Keep in mind that while donating via text is often easier and quicker, funds will likely not be available for relief efforts as quickly as they would be if donations were made directly through the websites of individual charities and relief organizations.

Watch TV:
NBC is doing a benefit concert for victims of Hurricane Sandy featuring some artists native to the areas hardest hit. Matt Lauer will host the 8pm EST concert – with a tape delay showing on the west coast. Among the musicians who are scheduled to perform on the telethon are Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi, Sting and Christina Aguilera. Jimmy Fallon and Brian Williams are also scheduled to appear.

When donating, please be sure to do your homework. Be wary of those offering to “pick up” your donations, those looking for cash, and websites that do not appear legitimate.

How will you help?