Now that the brunt of Hurricane Sandy has passed, many are wondering how to help.

Below is an *updated*  list of organizations that may need your support in the coming days as the Northeast recovers from Sandy.

The American Red Cross

Give Blood - Hurricane Sandy has caused the cancellation of 100 blood drives in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, a shortfall of 3,200 blood and platelet donations that would otherwise be available for those needing transfusions.

Volunteer at a Hurricane Sandy Shelter - The American Red Cross is specifically seeking individuals over 16 years of age that can carry 50 lbs to volunteer at local New York Red Cross Shelters.

Donate Money - You can choose to donate money to the Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting their website or texting REDCROSS to 90999.

AmeriCares

Donate Money - AmeriCares delivers medicines and medical supplies to disaster areas, and as of yesterday was deploying a mobile medical unit to affected areas in Connecticut.

The Salvation Army

Donate Money - The Salvation Army is currently on the ground in New Jersey helping with relief efforts, according to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. 

The United Way

Donate Money – The United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery fund is seeking monetary donations. You can donate directly on their site or text “RECOVERY” to 52000 to donate $10.

Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City

Donate Money – The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, a nonprofit organization established in 1994 to aid City programs, has created a place to donate specifically for Hurricane Sandy relief. 

Food Bank for New York

Donate Money - The Food Bank for New York provides food and emergency meals to New Yorkers, and as of last night was planning to continue distribution on Tuesday.  You can donate money by simply texting FBNYC to 50555.  If you wish to volunteer, check with and contact your neighborhood pantry or kitchen via the Food Bank for New York’s website.

The New Jersey Community Food Bank

Donate Money - The New Jersey Community Food Bank, which fights hunger and poverty by distributing food and groceries, is seeking donations as they respond to Hurricane Sandy. You can donate directly through the website or text “FEEDNJ” to 80888 to donate $10.

The Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties in New Jersey

Donate Money - Thriive has not been able to reach a representative from The Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties in New Jersey, but as a critical supplier of food for needy children, elderly, the disabled, working poor and families in the Jersey shore, they likely need support. You can reach them at (732) 918-2600 or main@foodbankmoc.org to inquire about their need for volunteers today. 

New York Cares

Volunteer – New York Cares, an organization that connects New Yorkers with service opportunities, is accepting volunteer applications directly through their website. You can also donate $10 by texting “iCARE” to 85944.

Team Rubicon

Donate Money - Team Rubicon, which leverages the skills and experience of military veterans along with medical professionals to rapidly deploy emergency response teams into crisis situations, is on the ground helping to clean up Sandy. You can donate directly to disaster relief or if you need assistance you can report it directly to Team Rubicon.   

The ASPCA

Donate Money - The ASPCA will assist and rescue the thousands of animals affected by Hurricane Sandy. 

The Humane Society of the United States

Report – The HSUS has a 24-hour hotline for New York evacuees to report pets that were left behind. The number is 347-573-1561.

Additional Opportunities for People in New Jersey

New Jersey has a hotline set up for people to find ways to help out. You can call 1-800-Jersey-7 (“Jersey” then the number 7) for more information. 

Additional Opportunities for People in New Yok

The Mayor’s Office has stated that the best way to find out how to volunteer is to register with NYCService.org and you will get notified of opportunities. You can also follow them on Twitter. 

If you know of other opportunities and organizations seeking support, leave them in the comments section below or post them to our Facebook pageŸ