Community

As the water begins to slowly recede and Superstorm Sandy lessens, the country has become more and more aware of the massive devastation left behind on the East Coast. MPAC's thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected, and are continuing to be affected, by Sandy, the largest-diameter Atlantic hurricane on record that hit land between Oct. 24 and Oct. 30.

More than 6 million households are still without power in 17 states, about two-thirds of them in New York and New Jersey. Sandy's high winds and rains disabled cities with airports, schools, businesses and stores slowly starting to open. Though it remains impossible to put a dollar value on Sandy's destruction, insured losses will run from $7 to $15 billion, according to an estimate published late Tuesday by AIR Worldwide, a catastrophe modeling firm.

The sad news is that at least 55 people have been killed, with many reported missing, stuck in their homes or injured. Before it made its way north, Sandy was blamed for 68 other deaths in the Caribbean.

"We have not seen damage like this in a generation," said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

President Obama has declared states of emergency for at least five states including New York and New Jersey as well as the nation's capital.

The rapid response efforts by FEMA and local/regional disaster teams should be commended. Help is still needed as millions begin to rebuild their lives.

Here are 10 organizations running campaigns that help those affected by Superstorm Sandy.

AmeriCares : Distributing supplies to 130 clinics in the 13 states affected by Sandy.
ICNA Relief: Established a broad aftermath plan that includes debris removal; emotional, spiritual, and physical care; and case management.
International Medical Corps : Coordinating efforts in Haiti.
Islamic Relief : Established two teams to offer shelter management at separate relief areas on the campus of Rutgers University.

Mayor's Fund to Advance New York: One hundred percent of donations are being dispersed to relief efforts and organizations. The City is currently identifying immediate aid needs, including food, water and hygiene supplies, as well as long-term relief and restoration efforts.
New York Blood Center : Donate blood, which will be used to help injured people, as well as hospital blood banks affected by the storm.
Operation USA : Helping victims in Haiti and Cuba, who were also deeply affected by the storm. In addition to donating online, you can text “AID” to 50555 to give $10.
The Red Cross : Opened more than 190 shelters along the East Coast and has hundreds of disaster relief workers on standby. Donate online or by calling 800-RED-CROSS or by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10. The Red Cross is also seeking blood and platelet donations.

The Salvation Army : Donate $10 to the Salvation Army by texting “STORM” to 80888. If you are already volunteer-certified, you can sign up to help out with disaster relief.
World Vision : Donate $10 by texting “GIVEUSA” to 777444 or donate online to help.
Zakat Foundation of America : Working with FEMA to provide food packages to victims of Hurricane Sandy.

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