Community Corner

Superstorm Sandy Relief: How You Can Help

Here's how Boston-area donations can aid victims in the most severely damaged areas.

The Boston area was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. But not as hard as elsewhere. Residents in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and other coastal areas were not as lucky.

Patch has gathered some local resources for those who want to help in relief efforts.

New Jersey
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. Emails can be sent to Rowena.Madden@sos.state.nj.us.

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New York City
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.

Red Cross
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.

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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).

Pets and animals
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, N.Y., with 4,000 sheltering units, which contain pet food, crates, food bowls, toys, and anything else an animal may need.

Other
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.

Local news from affected areas
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 groups in the Boston area organizing supplies or donations for Superstorm Sandy victims? Tell us in the comments. 


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