Information For Those Wanting to Help In Hurricane Sandy Recovery Efforts

Organizations like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Island Harvest and Long Island Cares, may need volunteers to assist with manning shelters, food and clothing distribution, and emergency assistance as the effects of the storm linger.

The Long Island Volunteer Center, a New York State-designated Regional Volunteer Center, is coordinating local efforts as well. Those interested in volunteering should visit the Center’s website at www.longislandvolunteercenter.org and fill out a registration form. The Center will then assess where the need is most dire and make the appropriate assignment.

Emergency workers are also attempting to coordinate efforts to distribute the donations of food and clothing that are being dropped off at various distribution centers. To volunteer for the American Red Cross, call 516-747-3500; the Salvation Army, call 516-485-4900; Island Harvest, call 516-294-8528; and for LI Cares, call 631-582-3663, ext. 119.

The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York are also looking for volunteers to help out on Long Island. Opportunities are listed at www.catholiccharitiesnyvolunteer.org.

Donations to the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund can be made online at uwsandyrecovery.org.  A $10 donation can be made by texting the word RECOVERY to 52000.

A $10 donations to the Red Cross can be made by texting REDCROSS to 9099.