I just came back from visiting my family on Long Island and, while they are fine, the neighborhood is reeling from the effects of Hurricane Sandy. Many homes have been destroyed and the usually quiet streets were teeming with caravans of workers from power companies trying to restore power, residents who worked to salvage what was left of their homes and discard what was ruined and people from demo and reno companies. I’ve never seen the streets so crowded. People worked together to help one another but, before the power came on, there was the very real threat of looming darkness and cold that would end all work. Two weeks after the storm, powerless people began and ended their day with the sun’s trip across the sky. Power was restored late that afternoon, eliminating one huge problem but highlighting others, not the least of which is the decision of whether or not to rebuild and how. My family is luckier than so many others who lost loved ones, homes and all their possessions and we recognize that, of course.
When I see the images of the destruction of once beautiful and happily populated communities, I want to do everything in my power to help restore them. There are many ways to donate money, supplies and clothing. (I’ve attached a link to some of them at the bottom of this post.)
Many companies have arranged to donate a portion of proceeds to help displaced families or taken up collections of clothing, food and supplies. Here are some of them:
Shop Design Spark is donating 30% of proceeds from their exclusively designed Double Swarovski Crystal Ring in red to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy Relief. The ring is gold-plated brass with two red Swarovski Crystals and sells for $40.00. Celebrity fans of Shop Design Spark jewelry include Jennie Garth, Anna Paquin, Brandi Glanville and Beyoncé. Click here to shop.
Now through November 30th, make a donation of $1 or more online or in-store, and Macy’s will match it dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000 with the goal of giving $1 million or more. All funds donated will be directed to the American Red Cross and will assist the survivors of Hurricane Sandy. Click here to donate online.
You can make a donation at diapers.com in the denomination of your choice to have baby food, diapers, formula and/or clothing sent to those affected by Hurricane Sandy. You can also send pet essentials from http://www.wag.com; personal and household items from http://www.soap.com and http://www.casa.com. Use this link to access all of the sites.
