Superstorm Sandy Relief: How You Can Help

Although the local area wasn't impacted at all by Hurricane Sandy, many have friends and family who were. Kim Roberto watched the storm from Loganville knowing her parents home was right in the path of the storm. They, fortunately were in a shelter. They were still there two days later.

"There is no electricity in most of the state, flooded streets everywhere and live power lines and trees down in the streets," Roberto wrote on Patch. "Part of the Seaside Heights boardwalk was washed into the ocean. The shore area is a mess as are the homes and businesses near the water. Many people (including Mom and Dad) can't get to their homes to see if they are still standing. The clean-up is going to take a very long time. It's massive destruction."

Patch has gathered some resources if you want to help in relief efforts.

Locally customers can “Round-Up” their purchases to the nearest dollar at all Atlanta Division Kroger stores. The money will go to help people in the storm ravaged areas. Customers can also make donations to the American Red Cross at Kroger cash registers.

 “Our hearts are with our friends and neighbors in New York, New Jersey, and across the East Coast who have been devastated by this unimaginable superstorm,” said Glynn Jenkins, director of communications and public relations for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “We ask that our customers come together as we ‘Round-Up’ support for Sandy’s countless victims. With their donations, we can help make a difference in the lives of so many.”       

Donations can be made at all Kroger locations in the Atlanta Division, which includes, Georgia, South Carolina, Northern Alabama and Eastern Tennessee. Please visit www.kroger.com to find the location nearest you

Volunteers in New Jersey are being coordinated through an emergency response hotline, 1-800-JERSEY-7 (1-800-537-7397). Alternate numbers, for when the hotline isn’t staffed, include 609-775-5236 and 908-303-0471 or emails can be sent to Rowena.Madden@sos.state.nj.us.

The New York City agency NYC Service is coordinating volunteers for various relief projects in New York City. Go to its Facebook page  or email nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov with your name and email address.

The American Red Cross is collecting funds and coordinating blood donations. The organization sheltered more than 3,000 people across nine states during the worst of the storm. You can donate $10 by phone by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999.

Sandy has caused the cancellation of about 300 American Red Cross blood drives.

“Patients will still need blood despite the weather,” said Dr. Richard Benjamin, chief medical officer of the Red Cross, in a statement.  

To schedule a blood donation at a center near you or for more information about giving blood or platelets, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) takes donations to rescue and shelter animals affected by the storm. Nearly 300 animals are staying with their owners in shelters in the New York City area, the agency said.

The ASPCA is also setting up a distribution center in Syracuse, New York with 4,000 sheltering units, which contain pet food, crates, food bowls, toys, and anything else an animal may need.

The Salvation Army: You can donate $10 to the Salvation Army by texting “STORM” to 80888. If you are already volunteer-certified, you can sign up to help out with disaster relief.

AmeriCares: You can donate to AmeriCares’ relief fund to help the organization, which is distributing supplies to 130 clinics in the 13 states affected by Sandy.

To follow news from some of the most affected areas and see how local residents are faring, here are links to Patch sites:

Greenwich Patch (CT)

Hoboken Patch

Ocean City Patch 

Point Pleasant Patch

Do you know of any people in the local area who looking for ways to help our neighbors to the North? If so, let us know in comments and let us know how we can help.