There are many organizations helping to provide relief to the many whose lives were so severely impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Here are just a few of them that are working to bring a "new normal" to New Jersey and the other communities affected by the storm:
- Backpacks for Brick is helping to make sure kids in Brick, one of the towns hardest hit by the storm, have the supplies they need to get back to school. Gift cards and donations can be mailed to: Backpacks for Brick, 1425 Davidson Ave., Brick, NJ 08724 (c/o Samantha Holmes). Check donations can be made out to Brick Elks Lodge #2151 with "Backpacks for Brick" in the memo.
- Humans of New York and Tumblr are raising funds, and offering various incentives for donations of $15 and above, through November 21. All donations will go to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which is helping people in impacted communities in New York and New Jersey.
- Restore Our Shore emphasizes rebuilding the coastal communities along the Jersey Shore. In addition to donating directly to the organization, there are also volunteer opportunities and Sponshoreships starting at $500.
- The Rotary Club of Westfield and Lord & Taylor have partnered to sponsor a food drive to aid those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Collection boxes for non-perishable foods are located at the East and West entrances to Lord & Taylor (609 North Avenue, Westfield)
- Also, many local food banks are in need – for their own communities who lost power and had to replace food as well as in order to provide food to other towns that were most affected by Hurricane Sandy. In addition to donations of non-perishable foods, many of the food banks are seeking volunteer help as well.
- The Community Food Bank of New Jersey is currently distributing over 100,000 pounds of food daily to those displaced by Hurricane Sandy. You can make a $10 donation by texting FEEDNJ to 80888, or visit their site to learn more about what is most needed.