Superstorm Sandy: How to donate for survivors

There are many possibilities for helping the survivors of Superstorm Sandy. Here are some. Remember, Guidestar and Charity Navigator are good ways to check that the organization you’re donating to is established, and that your funds will go where you intend.

The Red Cross

Red Cross. To donate, go to the Red Cross website, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. You can click here to go to the Red Cross diaster relief page. You may also contribute to your local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

Red Cross is also asking that people in unaffected areas donate blood. The organization shipped supplies to hospitals along the East Coast prior to the storm, but many blood drives in the region were cancelled in Sandy’s wake, which led to a decrease in supply. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to learn more about blood donation or to schedule a donation appointment in your area.

Other organizations to help survivors of Superstorm Sandy

Aermcianworks with health clinics, food banks and other agencies in vulnerable areas to help with medical and emergency supplies. Go online to make a donation to the AmeriCares Disaster Relief Fund.

Salvation Army mobilizes canteens and kitchens for hungry people. You can find out more at the Salvation Army disaster page.

World Vision is preparing for immediate disaster response and long-term recovery with a specific focus on the needs of children. You can support World Vision’s effort online or text “GIVEUSA” to 777444 to make a $10 contribution to the organization’s disaster response.

International Medical Corps is coordinating with local agencies in Haiti to provide emergency supplies and mobile medical units to areas hit hard by Sandy. Go to International Medical Corps’ website to support their emergency work in Haiti.

Operation USA is working to provide access to safe water and support to hospitals and clinics in Cuba. The organization is also providing emergency assistance in Jacmel, Haiti. Donate to Operation USA online or by phone at 1-800-678-7255 or text “AID” to 50555 to donate $10 to the organization’s disaster relief efforts.

Free hurricane app

By the way, there is a free Red Cross Hurricane App that sounds good. The app gives up-to-date weather alerts, information on open Red Cross shelters, a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm and a one-touch “I’m Safe” button that lets someone use social media outlets to let family and friends know they are okay. The Red Cross reports that people have been using the app to find shelters, to set up locations for the app to monitor, to make a disaster plan, and learn what steps they can take to stay safe. The app is available in Spanish just by changing the smart phone setting to Spanish before downloading.

Bottom line: This post contains links and other info about helping to volunteer, donate or otherwise contribute to the massive relief effort for Superstorm Sandy’s victims in the U.S. East.