hurricane sandy: where and what to contribute

many lives were (and still are) affected by hurricane sandy this week and whether or not you live on the east coast, there are ways that you can help to aid in the relief efforts. i’ve seen articles suggesting non-profits, but few feature a comprehensive list.

americares need supplies. to donate, visit www.americares.org.
feeding america is seeking food, water, and supplies. to donate, visit www.feedingamerica.org or call 800-910-5524.
john jay high school in park slope could use additional volunteers for shifts in their makeshift shelter as well as belts and clothing for men and children.
call 800-933-2566 or visit the new york blood center’s website to donate blood.
new york cares is accepting volunteers. apply through their website.
samaritan’s purse and team rubicon are looking for both monetary donations and volunteers to help re-build areas affected by hurricane sandy.
save the children and world vision need donations to supply food, clothing, and hygiene kits. both organizations specifically assist children.
donate to the food bank for new york city by texting FBNYC to 50555 or see if your local pantry or kitchen can use volunteers by going to the locator.
the humane society of the united states and american humane society request monetary donations to help animal shelters and stranded pets.
the mayor’s fund to advance new york city could use monetary donations.
this website allows people to offer/request assistance through recovers.org.
the red cross is requesting monetary donations. visit www.redcross.org, call 800-red-cross, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation.
visit www.salvationarmyusa.org to donate food and clothing to the salvation army.

updated as of november 2:

city meals on wheels needs help delivering meals to the elderly without electricity. call (212) 687-1234 or check http://www.citymeals.org for more info.
tribeca chabad is organizing groups to check on those without power downtown. call (212) 566-6764 and ask for chana or email info@tribecachabad.com.
caav in chinatown is accepting donations and assistance at 46 hester street.
ps1 curator klaus biesenbach is organizing relief efforts for the rockaways. simply stop by the museum to drop off donations or offer assistance.
the brooklyn kitchen and pilgrim surf in williamsburg are both coordinating donation runs to the rockaways. you can drop off canned foods, heavy duty trash bags, clothes (large sizes preferred), and offer to help out.
brooklyn tech high school in fort greene and the park slope armory are acting as refugee centers and need volunteers to assist those displaced from the rockaways (around 1,000 people so far). simply stop by and offer to help.

if there are any charities not on this list, feel free to add them in the comments.

note: if you are planning to give to a nonprofit, always verify that it is legitimate. charity evaluators like guidestar and charity navigator are good ways to check that the organization you’re donating to is established and will follow through with your donation.

hurricane sandy