As a whole, Philadelphia escaped Hurricane Sandy with little damage and was spared the total devastation some of our neighbors in Bucks County, New Jersey, New York and other surrounding communities are enduring. Now that all driving bans have been lifted, children are returning to school and public transit is almost fully restored, we as neighbors can start thinking about how we can help those that were not as fortunate in escaping Sandy’s wrath.
1. The American Red Cross – Donating funds to the Red Cross allows them to offer shelter, food, and general support to victims of disaster. Every dollar counts and no amount is too small. To donate, please visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions can also be sent to any local Red Cross chapter such as SEPA or to the American Red Cross at P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
As always the Red Cross also accepts blood donations year round. To find a local blood drive or a donation location please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
2. Meals on Wheels – Help stop local seniors from going hungry. Meals on Wheels provides meals to senior citizens on fixed budgets, limited mobility and in need. Donate at many local grocery stores and online at www.mowaa.org.
3. Salvation Army – A well known organization providing year-round services to victims of disaster, veterans and the less fortunate. To donate visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org, or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). You can also text the word “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”
Those interested in volunteering can register at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org. Please note that disaster service training is a prerequisite for volunteering in a disaster zone and not all registered volunteers will be called on to serve.
4. Philabundance – This Philadelphia based non-profit is currently facing a critical food shortage and although your donation won’t necessarily go to a victim of Hurricane Sandy, it will go to a neighbor in need. You can donate to the organization at www.philabundance.org.
5. Red Paw Emergency Relief Team – Furry friends are often forgotten during devastating events such as Hurricane Sandy, but non-profit organizations such as Red Paw assist animals who are victims of disasters. Many animals were found wandering the streets during Hurricane Sandy, where they were welcomed into warm shelters and cozy foster homes until their owners could be found or they can be adopted out.
