The feeling of helplessness many people have as they watch the images from Hurricane Sandy and Athena, the Nor'easter, is one reason I started volunteering with the Red Cross several years ago. I'm amazed it has the infrastructure to shelter, feed and comfort thousands of people at once - and the emotional strength to go into devastated areas again and again.
I'm also impressed by how easy the Red Cross and its partners make it to give.
- PayPal, iTunes, Amazon Payments and Google Check-out have "Donate" buttons.
- Many retailers let you donate or round up a purchase.
- Even airlines and hotels have options - a full list is here.
- Donate a percentage of a sale on eBay.
- Hold, or participate in, a fundraiser.
- Some entertainers will donate proceeds from their shows.
- Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10.
- Visit the website to donate, or learn about long-term opportunities.
- Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
- Use the free Red Cross Hurricane App.
By the way, the app does a lot of other things, too, including helping find shelters and notifying you of warnings and watches in your area. It can also post messages on social media telling your family and friends you're safe. If you're trapped, its siren and strobe light should attract attention.
Even if you already donated, you can use social media to show your support. Red Cross is on Twitter,
Facebook and other social networks. It frequently posts safety tips as well as amazing photos of the damage and the recovery efforts which you can post and share.
Also check out your local chapter. In my case that's Atlanta, which is also on Facebook and Twitter.
Connecting now helps keep the organization - and the people it helps - in mind. And of course if you are motivated to volunteer in the future, visit www.redcross.org.
My thoughts are with the people in the Northeast dealing with the effects of Hurricane Sandy, especially since there's a Nor'easter with several inches of snow on the way. The priority right now is getting everyone ready for the upcoming storm. But I am so inspired by the Red Cross volunteers who left their comfortable homes to give food, blanket, shelter and warmth to thousands of people - that I made this presentation to wrap up what they've done since Superstorm Sandy hit.
The latest on the massive Red Cross relief effort from Hurricane Sandy, including more details on how you can help. The need continues to grow - with another storm on the way!
The Red Cross is doing a great job providing shelter and supplies to the people affected by Hurricane Sandy. Here's an overview of the latest figures. And - did you know that the Red Cross also helps find shelter for pets?
