For the third day in a row, BUST offices are closed, thanks to Hurricane Sandy. We’re hoping our fellow East Coasters are safe and sound, with electricity and a long Netflix queue to keep them warm and occupied.
I’m lucky enough to have power, and I’ve spent my hurricane days catching up on Mad Men and making cinnamon pancakes. However, many people on the East Coast are less fortunate. Whether you’re in a hard-hit city like New York or far away, high and dry, there are things you can do to help.
• Give money
Donations to the Red Cross help provide shelter, food, emotional support, and other assistance to victims of Hurricane Sandy. “This will be a large, costly relief response and we need help now,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Disaster Services for the Red Cross on Sunday.
To donate, visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Many other organizations, such as the Salvation Army, Feeding America, AmeriCares,World Vision, and Save the Children are also providing relief and are in need of donations.
• Give blood
Hurricane Sandy has caused the cancellation of many Red Cross blood drives across the East Coast, resulting in the loss of hundreds of units of blood and platelets. The Red Cross has shipped blood products to hospitals in affected areas, but more blood is needed.
To schedule a blood donation, to get more information, or to find out if you are eligible to give blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
• Help local shelters and food banks
If you live in an affected area, shelters and food banks are in need of donations and volunteers. If you’re in New York, you can sign up to volunteer at a local shelter through New York Cares or donate time or money to a local food bank through Food Bank for New York City.
• Help the animals
Pets need help too! The Humane Society of the United States is seeking donations to provide disaster relief to animals.
You can also search #SandyAid on Twitter to see how else you can help. Whether you’re giving your money, your blood, or your time, there are countless ways to help out.
Images from csmonitor.com, thephilanews.com, assets.bizjournals.com, blog,aspca.org, sbynews.blogspost.com
