How To Help Hurricane Sandy Victims | New York Limo

 

New York and the East Coast were devastated by Hurricane Sandy and the residents of these areas can use all of the help they can get. The fact is many people are more than willing to help, they just don’t know how to. Gotham’s New York Limo service wants to help you help those who are in need. There are many ways to give a helping hand and not all of them require your physical presence.

Donate Blood

This may seem like something unnecessary, but most of the regular blood drives were cancelled and giving blood may help much more than many think. The New York Blood Center is putting together a list of times and locations that can be found here.

Volunteer

There are many organizations that are looking for volunteers and even more opportunities in general if you look around. A little bit of help goes a long way.

The CAAAV is working to deliver supplies to residents, particularly seniors, that are stuck in high-rise apartments without power. Mandarin speakers are wanted. If you are interested you can check out their website, stop by their office at 46 Hester Street in Manhattan, call (212)473-6485, or email them at justice@caaav.org.

The Red Cross is looking for medically credentialed volunteers for their support shelters. If you are interested in helping here, send an email to HealthServices@nyredcross.org or check out their website.

The New York Cares Organization is a local program that runs volunteer programs all over the city. They are looking for volunteers. Check out their site or call (212)228-5000 for more information.

Donations

If you are looking to donate, the best thing you can offer is money. There is nothing wrong with donating rather than volunteering. There is no shortage of organizations accepting donations so here is a list:

The American Red Cross is offering the chance to donate $10 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief by texting REDCROSS to 90999. This donation will show up on your wireless bill or taken out of your balance if you have a prepaid phone.

The Salvation Army is offering a similar deal by texting STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation. You can call 800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2769) for more information.

Habitat For Humanity is an organization to help rebuild the homes of those in need. They are accepting donations over the phone so call 800-422-4828 and press “0” when prompted to talk to a representative about donating.

Americares is accepting donations on their website to provide emergency medicine and supplies. Go here to donate.

You can also approach the city government directly to volunteer, by emailing nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov with your name, email address and borough.

These are just a few of the organizations to donate to, the list goes on and on. It ranges from religious organizations, animal assistance groups, and even just people trying to help.

Helping people recover from the devastation following Hurricane Sandy is a monumental task. Those that are local or willing can volunteer with everything from search and rescue to delivering supplies to the elderly. Volunteer work isn’t the only part though. Donations are just as important. If you can’t be here physically and still want to help out, try donating through one of the mentioned organizations, they can use all the help they can get.

By Frank McDonald