Dear CoolKidsNYC friends,
This was supposed to be a “Happy Halloween” post, but we couldn’t ignore the real nightmare caused by the super storm that hit the East Coast just a few days ago and that has left many of us without power and dealing with an unprecedented and devastating aftermath.
If you’re in the position to celebrate Halloween, have some fun for us all, eat some candy, stay warm, go outside and take a picture of that giant full moon and give your little “monsters” a big hug.
For those of you interested in helping the victims in need, below is a list of disaster relief organizations with ways of how you can help victims of Hurricane Sandy.
East Coasters, stay strong!
Red Cross
Donate online at www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to local chapters or the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington DC 20013.
Salvation Army
Donate online at www.salvationarmyusa.org, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) or text the word “STORM” to 80888 and confirm the $10 donation with the word, “Yes.” To send by mail, designate checks “2012 Hurricane Season” made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Services Center, P.O. Box 1959, Atlanta GA 30301.
Pets
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Humane Society of the United States are assisting with shelters and rescues animals affected by the storm.
To donate to the ASPCA, go to donate.aspca.org or call 1-800-628-0028.
To donate to the Humane Society, go to www.humanesociety.org, call (301) 258-8276 or mail a check payable to “The HSUS” to HSUS, Dept. HACEE120804001, 2100 L St. NW, Washington DC 20037.
AmeriCares
AmeriCares delivers medicines as well as medical supplies and aid. The organization is also assisting in the bringing food and water to victims. To donate, go to online to www.americares.org.
Feeding America
Feeding America has a network of more than 200 food banks and 61,000 food pantries, emergency shelters and soup kitchens. It said about 25 to 35 food banks could be adversely affected by the storm. To donate, go to feedingamerica.org or call 1-800-910-5524 and dial 1. By mail, download a donation form from the website and send a check or money order payable to Feeding America, P.O. Box 96749, Washington DC 20090-6749.
Food Bank for New York City
To donate, go to foodbanknyc.org or call (212) 566-7855.
Volunteers
In New York, email NYC Service at nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov with your name, email address and city. There will be ways to volunteer today and over the next week as opportunities arise. The group is also listing and seeking ways to help on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nycservice.
In New Jersey, call the emergency response hotline at 1-800-JERSEY-7 (1-800-537-7397.
