Sandy's aftermath: How you can help

Adam Hunger / Reuters

Emergency personnel rescue residents from flood waters brought on by Hurricane Sandy in Little Ferry, New Jersey, October 30, 2012.

By Suzanne Choney, TODAY.com

If you want to help those hurt by the storm, you can donate to these organizations; some of them have options to donate via text message, as well as by phone or online:

AMERICAN RED CROSS
The Red Cross is providing shelter, clothes, supplies, food and blood, as needed, for the victims of Sandy. You can donate blood, but in terms of items, you'll be doing more for those in need by donating money instead of physical goods.

Text message: Text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. As in the case with other donations via mobile, the donation will show up on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your balance if you have a prepaid phone. You need to be 18 or older, or have parental permission, to donate this way. (If you change your mind, text the word STOP to 90999.)

Phone: 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767); for Spanish speakers, 800-257-7575; for TDD,? 800-220-4095.

To donate blood: Visit this Red Cross Web page.

Online: American Red Cross

SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army is providing meals and shelter. "At this point, in-kind donations, such as used clothing and used furniture, are not being accepted for hurricane relief. However, these items are vital to supporting the day-to-day work of your local Salvation Army," the organization said Tuesday in a press release.

Text message: Text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation. To confirm the donation, respond with the word ?Yes.?

Phone: 800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2769)

Online: Salvation Army; here's the organization's New Jersey site, and its Greater New York site.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
Many pet owners were able to take their pets with them, but for those who were not, the Humane Society's Animal Rescue Team is assembling staff and equipment to help rescue pets in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

Phone: 301-258-8276

Online: Humane Society of the United States

AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION
The association is helping animals that may need rescue or shelter.

Text message: Text the word HUMANE to 80888 to donate $10.

Phone: 866-242-1877.

Online: The AHA's website for donating is here.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Habitat, an international organization, helps those in need rebuild their homes after disaster strikes.

Phone: As of Tuesday morning, Habitat's online donation system was not available. If you want to make a donation, you can call Habitat's Partner Service Center at 800-HABITAT (422-4828). Press "0" when prompted and representatives will take your donation information over the phone.

Online: This is Habitat for Humanity's main website.

COMMUNITY FOODBANK OF NEW JERSEY
This group coordinates efforts with the state's Office of Emergency Management, as well as with state and local nonprofit organizations.

Phone: (908) 355- FOOD (3663), ext. 243.

Online: Community FoodBank of New Jersey

FEEDING AMERICA
The organization will deliver food, water and supplies to communities in need through its network of food banks and the agencies they serve.

Phone: 800-910-5524

Online: This is Feeding America's main website.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA
Catholic Charities provides emergency food, shelter, direct financial assistance, counseling, and support "regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds."

Online: More information here; main website here.

Phone: 800-919-9338?

AMERICARES
This group provides emergency medicine and supplies. Donations are accepted on its accepts donations on its website.

Phone: 800-486-4357.

DIRECT RELIEF INTERNATIONAL
The organization provides medicine and supplies to partner health centers and clinics.

Text message: Text the word RELIEF to 27722 to give $10.

Phone: 805-964-4767.

Online: Direct Relief International is the main website; go here to donate online.

WORLD VISION
Describing itself as "a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families" and communities, World Vision provides flood clean-up kits, hygiene kits, blanket and food kits.

Text message: Text the word GIVEUSA to 777444 to donate $10.

Phone: 888-511-6443.

Online: For World Vision's Hurricane Sandy relief, click here.

WHAT ELSE TO THINK ABOUT
We'll be updating this list.

Remember that while giving is good, beware of those out there who are not good and are trying to trick you by taking your money. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene last year, the Federal Trade Commission's caution still holds true: "Scammers may try to take advantage of a disaster, and so consumers should be wary of urgent appeals for charitable donations, and watch out for fraudulent home repair schemes after a storm."

You can read more about avoiding home repair rip-offs and charity fraud from the FTC.

Also, the FBI has counseled on its Facebook page "to beware of fraudulent emails and websites claiming to conduct charitable relief efforts. Disasters prompt individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization or a good cause," and suggests reading "Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes" to learn more about avoiding online fraud.

Source: http://todaynews.today.com/_news/2012/10/30/14805994-sandys-aftermath-how-you-can-help?lite

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