Updated Thursday, Nov. 8 at 7:30pm
Rock Center has received an outpouring of support from viewers looking to directly help the people profiled in our reports about Hurricane Sandy's impact.
Phyllis Puglia's family has set up a website to help rebuild her home and replace personal belongings. http://www.gofundme.com/1gidqk
Kelley and Adam, profiled last week, are hopeful they will find temporary housing and begin to rebuild their lives.
http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=12934&url=hurricanesandyhelp
If you would like to send or drop off donations of clothing or other tangible goods to those affected in Staten Island, NY, you may consider contacting the following local organizations:
Monsignor Farrell H.S.
John Makely/NBC News
Staten Island, NY -- John Dellorusso looks over his backyard which now contains the debris from a nearby restaurant. His home, at right, was severely damaged and his girlfriend refuses to return to the house.
2900 Amboy Road, Staten Island, NY 10306
(718) 987-2900
Collecting blankets, coats, gloves and hats
St. Joseph By The Sea High School
5150 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10312
(718) 984-6500
Collecting cleaning supplies, rubber gloves and clothing
Project Hospitality
25 Central Avenue,Staten Island, NY 10301
(718) 720-0079, ext. 10.
Collecting supplies like new underwear, socks, new towels, toiletries, canned food
Rabs Country Lanes
1600 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305
(718) 979-1600
Collecting clothing and blankets
Stephen Siller Tunnel To Towers Foundation
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
https://tunneltotowersfoundation.org/donate_now.aspx
Accepting monetary donations for families in need
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.
John Makely/NBC News
Staten Island, NY -- Jane Caravello pauses for a moment after wading a couple hundred yards from her house. "Half of it is down there and the other half is on Beach Ave."
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.
NEW YORK CARES
This local NYC program is "the city's largest volunteer organization, running volunteer programs for 1,300 nonprofits, city agencies and public schools." It is recruiting volunteers to help with Sandy relief efforts, and is also raising money.
Online: New York Cares; donation page here.
Phone: 212-228-5000
You can also approach the city government directly to volunteer, by emailing nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov with your name, email address and borough.
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.
NYC MAYOR'S FUND
The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City charity supports "impactful public programs serving some of the City's greatest needs."
Online: The Mayor's Fund website is here.
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.
UNITED METHODIST COMMITTEE ON RELIEF
Provides immediate relief, assistance with cleanup and rebuilding, pastoral counseling and support for children and youth who have been through trauma.
Text message: Text the word RESPONSE to 80888 to give a $10 donation.
Phone: 800-554-8583
Online: United Methodist Committee on Relief
JEWISH FEDERATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA
The Jewish Federations of North America Hurricane Relief Fund will contribute to recovery and rebuilding.
Text message: Text the word RELIEF to 51818 to pledge a donation.
Online: The Jewish Federations of North America.
BREEZY POINT FUND RAISER
One of the most badly damaged communities in Sandy's wake is Breezy Point, Queens. Catholic University student Matthew Petronis created this fundraising page to help his community rebuild. "I have seen the damage and can say that the place where I grew up during my childhood is almost gone," he wrote on the page, "but that is not the case for the children that are growing up now!"
BENEFIT CONCERT
NBC Universal will host a benefit for Sandy victims on Friday at 8 p.m. ET. Money collected will be donated to the American Red Cross relief efforts. Find more info here.
Though smaller instant charities are not always recommended for donating (for reasons discussed below), NBC News reporters have interviewed Petronis, and verified his story.
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.
Compiled by Suzanne Choney, TODAY.com
Leave a Comment:
Brian, Matt, and everyone involved in the Sandy Benefit Concert- That was absolutely AMAZING!!!
Unbelievable that you pulled a program of that quality together with the limited time and resources currently available in that area. That was one-hour of We Are The World.
Sometimes impromptu delivers the best results. Job well done!
I apologize to all I have hurt with my comments. I have lived through disaster, even war overseas not knowing if I would return to my family. It was not my intention to pass judgement or to hurt anyone's feelings. I too was outraged in New Orleans when they were told to evacuate and even provided buses to get them out, but still people refused. For there own reasons. I am sorry people lost all. Yes, I still donated to the Red Cross, I donated non perishable food and clothing for victims. My comments were directed to those not prepared and not willing to budge for what ever reasons.
I applaud Christie for telling people there will be no rescues available because he did not feel that putting other people's lives at risk because few did not obey to evacuate. Again, my comments were aimed at those told to evacuate, did not because they did not think it would be as worse as predicted, and are now crying on TV that FEMA and the Red Cross are not there fast enough.
My comments are based on what I have lived through. If its life or death, I would carry my kids and what I needed to survive and I would have walked out of there. Just as I did in the dessert. All I had was 100 lbs of gear in the 120 degree heat and no guarantee I would make it back to base to get another ration of food or water. I am 120 lbs my self.
If I wanted to live in Hawaii, I would make certain I had the means to get off the island in the event I needed to evacuate, if not, I'd build a raft and faced my choice to want to be there. If I lived in Minot, I would make certain I had weather appropriate gear and what I needed to survive even for 3 days or I would not live there.
I cannot imagine what it is like for you all there living through this, I don't pretend to. I cannot imagine evacuating and returning to find everything I worked so hard for ..gone. I can tell you it is hard for me to watch you on TV knowing you knew the storm was coming and disobeyed to evacuate, with your Coach purse and diamond earrings look at the camera and tell America no one is there to help you. And you are starving and cold. Its the ocean, make a fire catch a fish. What would you do if no one ever came? Sit and wait? We need to be responsible for the decisions we make, in all aspects.
I will continue to give and volunteer and donate, no matter what. Because we are all human and we are Americans and it's what we do.
No apology necessary. Your original point was very clear and was not rude. It is not a "common" belief because so many don't feel that they need to be prepared themselves and can always rely on the help of the government in whatever situation. Please know I share your views.
I can't believe people are bantering back and forth. No one is in control of mother nature and this is a time we should all be trying to help with whatever we can. You never know what life alter changes could be sent ur way, whether u make the right decision or not at the time, things happen. It just show me that this world has alot of compassinate, loving people who give of the heart and expect nothing in return. You will be returned the gift 10 fold, not that you're looking for it. I say give and help it, does the body, and conscious good and makes you feel productive. At least when I close my eyes I can sleep at night and when I do pass I know I have helped people in some way and that feels great!
Hello,
I am a college student in the city and from central New Jersey, I want to help, but I cannot provide any commodities. Is there anyway to volunteer time to work clearing debris, passing out goods? Please contact
Praying for the people affected by Sandy and may God knock some sense into the people making the negative comments....
I live in Florida and would like to donate kids clothing items, is there an address to mail them?
For the insensitive people posting comments, please remember that if you have to preface a statement with " I hate to be_______, but........" you probably should keep it to yourself.
Thanks this is the best site for donation information. Better than ABC. They only have redcross. A lady said all she got was some tastycakes and a bottle of water.
ATTN: National Closet Clean out: I need an ADDRESS for Cashmere, Coats, Wool, Blankets, Jeans and Apparel samples to be sent from West Coast to East Coast. I have found various places however, they have STOPPED taking donations and DO NOT WANT MAIL. NBC HELP US GIVE!
Please email address to: ButtTherapist@gmail.com
My heart goes out to all the country. To think we can not help our own. What goes around comes around especially in this day and age. Politicians should stop sending junk mail and tying up the phone lines unneeded...and FIX our country...starting with those suffering and most in need. We did it for tsunami, earthquake, hurricane victims all over the world! Were is the help back? We should be dropping supplies into the areas that are not being serviced. We should have the ships pulling in to house people. One on one heroes are fabulous but on the grand scale our leaders need to lead! NOW! We need to straighten out the disaster relief system. Does anyone know who is dead and who is alive right now??I don't...I have a dear 86 year old aunt in NJ I know she has 1 blanket and 1 towel,and never keeps a stash of food around cause she doesn't cook, she doesn't have family closer than 2 hours away...and they also were bulls-eye for the hurricane. Is my aunt alive? Does she need help? No idea but a haunting question for me and my family. Why don't they get the gas opened up at the gas stations with generators brought in? That's pretty much priority! No room for haters in my world, but active positive thinkers are WELCOME any day of the week! Let's get it MOVING! My prayers go out to all that can motivate to take part in a recovery and a revamp in our emergency systems AGAIN!!
Again....In the Thur. report with Ann Curry, she had a film on of James Marilnara(sp) talking about his disappointment in the Red Cross. Question: Is that Chuck Schumer with the @!$%# eating grin in the back ground??? If so...I have another question: What there to smile about Chuck!
I am looking to donate clothes etc... for a family who has lost everything; have no idea where to go. Is there a drop off for people in levittown, PA or a place to deliver items to in the philadelphia or south jersey region?
please donate elsewhere these people are evil, not the volunteers working for them. have the red cross contract garbage containers to throw and pick up garbage residents are doing the cleanup now but have no containers . They have raised over 50 million now its just a fraction of the cost to do this. Otherwise they will keep it. They have a bad track record and the higher ups have other plans with the money. If you can get to the media to spread the word have them spend the funds on rebuilding starting with demolition and just picking up debris and cleanup its a start. if they dont give that money then you'll never see a dime....
P.S. people did leave you idiots now they are back to clean up.
type in
As a friend said this weekend, if the whole 2012 doomsday-thing should turn out to be true, maybe it's just as well. What exactly is the point of all this finger-shaking? You want to be right? If only it made any difference to people who are cold, hungry, without homes and without much hope. But for the grace of God and/or mother nature...
My heart and prayers goes out to everyone in the Northeast. Devestation beyond belief..... Unfortunatly I am not in a position to donate money, however, I do have boys clothing from 6 months to 5T (Doubles of everying because of twins) already boxed by size. I am trying to locate someone down in the Tampa FL area who will be drving a truck to the Northeast. If you know of someone please e-mail me.... auntsueny@aol.com
I love Brian Williams and even though we may differ in our political beliefs, I always find him fair. While watching the preview of the New Yorkers devastation by Sandy it took a terribly turn in opinions of a reporter whom Brian spoke. He went off on the money spent on Iraq could have been spent on the [NEW YORK infrastructure}. Putting aside the fact that a bipartisan Senate voted for the Iraq War, it was neither the time nor place to tick off potential donors. It's almost like it's in their DNA to continuously make, misleading or misinformed statements. These needy victims should not be used in this partisan way to spout either sides views. I'm just so SICK of dealing w/this sort on thing, that I left the show with a bad taste in my mouth, sadly confirming yet again the conservative experiences with Main Stream Media and yes NBC BIAS. I'll donate money for the victims, however using a different venue., I guess The Red Cross & NBC only wants Democrats money or they would made darn sure they edited it and/or set guide lines not to offend anyone.
I live in Virginia and work as an independent consultant with a publishing company. I am going to be doing a local book drive to donate books to the children affected by Hurricane Sandy, but don't know who would be the best organization to contact regarding distribution of books for the holidays. I know the immediate need is food/shelter, but with the holidays just around the corner, many people forget about tragedies like this and/or when the families are ready to receive goods, its too late to mobilize help/support. Our company will match 50% of donations and pay for shipping, I just need someone local to get the books to and handle distribution. Anyone have any recommendations?
It is disheartening to all of us who want to help to see the infighting that comes along with it. Cooler heads need to prevail. Whether people erred or not in leaving, the fact is that they are in the middle of a disaster zone that is incomprehensible for most of us. We need to show we are caring and compassionate people. I and a friend started an initiative among food bloggers to show our support. Everyone is posting comfort foods and calling for donations and yes, even donations to the American Red Cross. Please join us if you have a blog and would like to be a part of this effort, hashtag #FBS4Sandy on Twitter.
Help support the families of Breezy Point & Queens
New York
I am not seeing or hearing aof a lot of red cross help! where is FEMA where is Obama !I have no money but do have a rolling kitchen capable of cooking large amounts of pork on a rottisorie. I need an official to contact me if I would be able to provide my services.I am not looking for a dime other than donations in the form of ood and a place to park my truck and trailor.I am in Tn and it will cost me about all I have in fuel just to get there.. Experience from Melrose Station BBQ. I have had many customers from the areas in question and want to help.Mayors,Governors or other reps let me know.However: I am certain there will be there be red tape all all the other political problems related to my proposal! what do you say Mr. President lets get rid of the "red tape", your quote .
To support those in need of accommodation in the aftermath of Sandy and the nor'easter this week, we've decided to make SpareRoom New York completely free to use for the rest of the year. We're seeing more and more people needing somewhere to stay (either long term or for a few weeks) as the city struggles to get back on its feet, so removing the need to pay to contact advertisers straight away seems like the right thing to do. To get the free access, simply register on SpareRoom.com/NewYork and then click on upgrade (in the top navigation bar), then enter the promo code NYCFREE. You can get a free 14 day upgrade, and use it as many times as you like until the end of the year, to either find accommodation or offer it to those in need.
i am a disabled veteren when hurricane sandy was on its way i did not see any tv because i was packing with my girl friend to move to texas, we were exhausted every night. the day the hurricane was showing first rain is the day we were leaving to go and take care of my girlfriends 3 year old grand son, her daughter is in the united states army who has served 2 tours one in irag and one in afghanistan, she is a single mother who has to have a family care plan in effect or she can be discharged from the military. when we arrived in texas, it was monday morning, on thursday i got a call from the marina, that i had a 26 foot boaat docked at, that the boat sunk. on the way down i had a transmission seal leak and had to pay to get that fixed. so i called sea tow and tow boat us to pull boat out, told them i only had about a 1000.00 to my name and they told me i had to come up with the full $5000.00 to get it up and out , i understand they have to make their money but i do not have that i could not even afford to pay for the insuranse to renew three week prior because i was putting my money torwards the move. i was wondering if any one can give me addvise if there is some one who knows who can raise boats and get rid of it i know it is aloss and it is materialistic my concern is fuel leaking out new jersey state police said it will be 1000.00 dollar fine a day if it starts to leak fuel and i am also concerned for the economic affect it will have on the water ways if any one has some kind and thoughtful ideals i would appreciate it you can reach me eaglesfan19642004@yahoo.com thank you for any considerations of ideas people may have