Help After the Hurricane

This was supposed to go up on Thursday, but life has this annoying habit of getting in the way of my blogging.

Anyway, it's been a week (nearly) since Hurricane Sandy decided to make life difficult for the eastern seaboard.  Compounding the issue, we're expecting a nor'easter in the next few days to add to the flooding for the coastal states, as well as to dump some snow on my area.  I don't mind snow so much.  Meanwhile, however, I did promise to share with the readership ways that they - that is, you - can help with the relief effort which, if this current forecast is accurate, is about to become even more crucial and more difficult.

First up, as always, the lovely and big-hearted Debbie Tenzer of Do One Nice Thing has provided us with some information on the subject.  She points out that the biggest needs are money and blood donations.  If you wish to and are able to donate blood, go to this page to find out where you can do so near you.

You may have heard that you can donate via text message.  Send the text REDCROSS to the number 90999 to donate ten dollars to that organization.  Or donate directly on their website to their disaster relief fund.  Another one to consider: help the Humane Society as they help the pets and homeless animals who were affected by the storm.

Are you on Twitter?  Follow the account of the Sandy NJ Relief Fund.  They too have a website where you can contribute to the relief effort, and they also provide occasional updates about what's happening.

If you live in or near the state of New Jersey and would like to contribute food, clothing, blankets, and other material goods like that, your best bet is to call the state's volunteer hotline at 1-800-JERSEY-7.  The operators can direct you to the best place to deliver your donation.

Oh, one more thing.  The utility workers have been laboring tirelessly to get everyone's water and power turned back on in a timely fashion in all of the affected states (including mine).  Workers have traveled here from almost every other state in the country.  They're away from their families and putting in long hours to make other people's lives easier.  Please, please - if you encounter any of these hard-working men and women, take a few minutes to express your gratitude.

I'll be posting on Wednesday because of that contest I mentioned in a previous post.  In the meantime, if you live in the United States, tomorrow is Election Day.  I'm not going to tell you for whom you should cast your vote, but by all means, vote.

Tomorrow is also my sister Lisa's birthday.  So I'm voting that she should have a happy birthday!