Just last week, Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on the Northeast leaving behind seemingly unthinkable disaster and a long road to recovery for countless families in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
There are so many calls for help, and it’s inspiring to hear about some of the big ways people are lending a hand….from big cash donations to The Meatball Shop guys making thousands of meatballs to donate. But, even if we are far away and even if we can only give on a small scale, we can make a difference. We can show our fellow Americans that we are united as one.
Here are a few simple ideas:
- Donate to the American Red Cross: Text REDCROSS to 90999 (for a $10 donation) or visit http://redcross.org. Follow the Red Cross on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedCross.
- Stay connected on social media. Friends, media outlets, companies, and beyond are all sharing opportunities for donations, volunteering, and ways to help. Follow Sandy tweets with hashtag Sandy. And for ways to help, follow NYC Service (http://nycservice.org/) on Facebook and Twitter.
- Give the people what they need. Just an example: Assemblyman Titone from Staten Island compiled an Amazon Wish List. These donations will be shipped directly to those in need – it’s an easy way to help especially for those that don’t live in the area and want to do something.
- #DineOutNYC: In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the #dineoutnyc movement is promoting a speedy recovery for the restaurant industry by encouraging people to dine out in New York City. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Find out about restaurants participating in the relief efforts on Eater and Grub Street.