New volunteering and donation opportunities are popping up throughout the New York-New Jersey area, as residents begin the long road to recovery following Superstorm Sandy. Latinos Post rounds up the latest information regarding volunteering and donation needs.
As always, those wishing to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy can donate to the American Red Cross by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-733-2767, or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. The American Red Cross is also accepting blood donations. You can visit their website or call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule a blood donation.
NYC |Staten Island | Long Island:
In New York City, the group Occupy Sandy is asking for urgent donations for the following supplies: blankets, candles, flashlights, lights, water, food, batteries, diapers and wipes, gloves and masks, rubber boots, shovels, cleaning supplies and winter clothing. Occupy Sandy is also organizing volunteers at St. Jacobi Church in Sunset Park.
For a full list of locations to volunteer or donate at, visit Occupy Sandy.
In the Rockaways, volunteers are still needed to sort out clothing and pass out food from the town shelter at the American Legion Hall located at 209 Cross Bay Boulevard, Far Rockaway. Volunteers are told to ask for Marty Seeny when they arrive. For more information, head over to NYC Service.
In Red Hook, volunteers are needed at 402 Van Brunt Street and are asked to bring any donations, including clothing, cleaning supplies, etc. Those interested in volunteering can contact Carlos Menchaca via text message at 415-350-3434 or twitter @cmenchaca.
The Red Hook Initiative is asking volunteers to help deliver meals to the Red Hook area. Meals go out at noon and 6 p.m. to residents who are homebound. Volunteers should head over to RHI's headquarters at 767 Hicks Street. RHI is also looking for medical professionals who can spare some time. Medical volunteers are asked to head over to headquarters to help out.
For more information on how to help out in Red Hook, head over to Red Hook NYC Recovers.
According to the Congregation of Beth Elohim, FEMA will be arriving at Red Hook at 1 p.m. There is a need for 100 strong volunteers at Coffey Park, Verona St. between Richard St. and Dwight St., Park House. Volunteers can report directly there.
In Staten Island, the group Staten Island Recovers is looking for donations of propane heaters, masks, clean up/work suits, cleanup bag/heavy duty garbage bags, carpet removing tools and tack hammers. Donations can be dropped off at 168 New Dorp Lane. The group is also looking for secure and dry places where people can store their salvaged belongings. Anyone that has one and is willing to donate the space for temporary storage should email statenislandrecovers@gmail.com.
In Long Island, Ace Hardware stores have partnered up with the Long Island Press to accept donations of toys, clothing, water and other necessary items for those affected by the hurricane. For a location near you, visit the Ace Hardware website.
New Jersey:
In Hoboken, people are asked to donate online to the Rebuild Hoboken Relief Fund as well as make supplies donations to Hoboken High School (8th and Clinton). Supplies needed includes: flashlights, batteries, hats, gloves, baby formula, baby food, baby and adult diapers, toiletries, and non-perishable foods.
In Mercer County, the Salvation Army needs Emergency Disaster Services volunteers. According to NJ.com, "EDS volunteers are the kind faces and helping hands that support police, firefighters and other first responders while assisting families and communities recover from flood, fires and other tragedies." For more information, head over to The Salvation Army.
Jersey City continues to organize volunteers to help with relief efforts. Volunteers are asked to email volunteer@jcnj.org to sign up. Anyone interested in helping out should list special skills or equipment that might be useful in the post-storm recovery efforts. More information can be found on Jersey City's official website.
If you have any tips for volunteer opportunities in these states or in any state affected by Hurricane Sandy, please email n.rojas@latinospost.com.