Hurricane Sandy: Mears, Virginia Photo Credit – Handout/Reuters
It sure was hard to prance around in cute Halloween outfits, when at the very same moment on the opposite side of our country – there were, and continue to be hundreds of thousands of children suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. From losing power, to losing homes, clothing, security, warmth – people – young and old, families and individuals – people just like us, are in need of help. Every time LD has a pair of pants with a snag, or I accidentally shrink one of her most beloved sweaters and I feel like it’s the end of the world – I just think about the devastation and the loss suffered by the families in the New Jersey and New York area. How trivial things appear to be, when you really sit down and think about it.
Hurricane Sandy: Belmar, New Jersey Photo credit – Tom Mihalek/ Reuters
But rather than making comparisons – I want to take this time to be grateful for our lives, health, and safety – especially for our own children – and to find a way where we can express that gratitude by paying it forward. There are some ways we can help with clothing and monetary support for our friends in the east as they begin rebuilding what they once had.
The AMERICAN RED CROSS is accepting donations that will help provide shelters, support, and the delivery of hundreds of thousands of ready-made meals for families and individuals in the area. With these immediate needs being met, Parents are able to provide the emotional support for their children, allowing them to move forward from the aftermath. Although our first inkling is to support directly with food, clothing, and supplies, the American Red Cross requests that donations are of monetary support only, in order to expedite their services while utilizing their own resources. Donations will provide aid for food, clothing, and shelter. Donating blood is always welcome, and the Red Cross is always open to the volunteer support from those who are medically credentialed. Contributions to the American National Red Cross can be made directly on their site, and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Their tax identification number is provided on their website. Donations can be made here.
Hurricane Sandy: Rockaways, New York Photo credit – Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
SAVE THE CHILDREN. Not only are they already in full force providing aid with children-related needs and essentials (clothing, shoes, blankets, toys, bottles), but they are developing Child Friendly Spaces for the children. These areas are specifically intended for the children affected by the devastation of Hurricane Sandy to allow kids to feel safe, and to participate in activities that will allow them to regain a sense of normalcy after such a traumatic experience. Donations can be made here.
Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief – Save the Children’s Ian Rogers plays with 13-month-old Kevin at a child-friendly space in a shelter in New Jersey. Photo credit – Business Wire
BABY BUGGY. This wonderful service welcomes the donation of diapers and other baby essentials (formula, pack ‘n plays, cribs, blankets), particularly warm coats (Sizes 0 – 14 for children). If you would prefer to donate items, you can ship via 1-800-DIAPERS, or directly to Baby Buggy at 306 W 37th Street 8 fl NY, NY 10018. Please include your return address and they will send you a receipt. Of course cash donations are always welcome directly here.
Hurricane Sandy: Alalyse, Age 3. Photo credit – John Moore/Getty Images
Hurricane Sandy: Saving Shaggy Hoboken, NJ Photo credit – Craig Ruttle/AP
