Stories in the News: How Can You Help the Victims of Hurricane Sandy?

By now, we’ve all seen the devastation Hurricane Sandy has ravaged upon the northeast; particularly in the New York City area. Now that the storm has mostly passed, millions of people are left to rebuild the extensive damage to their towns and homes. We at IBG wonder, what can we all do to help those affected even if we live very far away? Here’s a few ideas….

• Donate blood. Hurricane Sandy has forced hundreds of blood drives to be cancelled and the American Red Cross is asking anyone across the country who is able to donate blood to head to their nearest donation station. All blood types are needed but especially type O positive, O negative, A negative and B negative. To make an appointment or for more info, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. Unsure if you’re elgible? You’ll need a blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification. You must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.
• Help Clean Up. Do you have some time you’re able to be away from your job or school? Do you happen to be a military veteran? Samaritan’s Purse and Team Rubicon are both looking for volunteers to head into the disaster zones to help clean up the damage. Three disaster relief units from Samaritan’s Purse already left Tuesday morning from North Carolina to head up the northeast and more will follow. Team Rubicon does require that you have a military and/or medical background.
• Donate Supplies. Disaster relief organizations such as AmeriCares are providing family emergency kits and household clean up kits to those affected. Some common household items needed include bottled water, towels, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap and toilet paper.
• Financial Donations. If you’re in a position to make a financial donation, it is absolutely one of the most effective ways to help the disaster relief. No amount is too small and organizations such as The Red Cross, Feeding America, The Salvation Army and The Lower East Side Recovers are all accepting donations. FEMA also has a comprehensive list of all organizations accepting product and monetary donations.
• Take in a pet. Millions of pets have also been affected by Hurricane Sandy. If you’re able, open your home to a pet whose owner can’t care for them at the moment. Organizations such as the Humane Society of America are also accepting donations.

If you’re local to the NYC area, first, we’re so glad you’re safe and sound! Second, there are many places across the tri-state area who are looking for volunteers. Here’s a great round up of current volunteer needs.

Can you add to our list? What else can we do to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy?

Let us know in the comments below or over on Twitter or Facebook!