After Sandy: How to Help

 
At the Dart Center we were fortunate to be spared the worst of Sandy. Columbia University never lost power, and storm damage in Morningside Heights was minimal.
 
But many of our neighbors in the region remain in crisis. For anyone who wants to help, Columbia has assembled a continually-updated list of organizations providing aid.
 
At this writing:
 
AmeriCares is providing water, family emergency kits, medicine and other relief supplies to communities across the East Coast. To donate, visit americares.org.
 
Beta Theta Pi and Lambda Phi Epsilon fraternity houses have been turned into collection stations for water, food, blankets and towels that will be distributed to IS 88, a dedicated Sandy shelter. For details visit the collection drive’s Facebook page.
 
Caped Columbians Organizing Sandy Relief is managing a variety of Sandy relief efforts through their Facebook page and a list of volunteer opportunities.
 
Citymeals-on-Wheels needs volunteers, some with cars, and funds to restock through the weekend. Call 212-687-1234 or e-mail [email protected] to sign up.
 
FEMA is using crowdsourcing to help classify building damage and accelerate the rate at which responders can create assessments.Volunteers view images and feed information to analysts who are supporting FEMA’s recovery efforts. To participate, visit sandy.locative.us.
 
Food Bank For New York City is delivering food throughout the city and is seeking donations and volunteers who can help them meet growing food needs as a result of the storm. To donate or volunteer, visit foodbanknyc.org.
 
School of General Studies Student Council is leading a housing effort to help students who have lost power in evacuation zones, downtown, and throughout areas of Brooklyn and Queens. Those students who can host or need a place to stay should visit an accommodations list on Google Docs.
 
Humane Society of the United States is on the ground in New Jersey and New York providing assistance to people who were forced to leave their homes and are caring for pets. To donate, visit humanesociety.org.
 
New York Blood Center has lost approximately 6,000 units of blood due to Hurricane Sandy, and because of several forced cancellations at Columbia’s Medical Center (10/29), Business School (10/29), and Law School (11/1). However, especially during these times, the need for blood is greater than ever. To help alleviate the shortage, the University will be hosting BLOOD EMERGENCY drives in the coming weeks at the following locations:
 
Low Library Rotunda
Monday, Nov. 5 
11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Columbia Law School
Tuesday, Nov. 6
Jerome Greene Annex
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
CUMC – Armand Hammer Science Center
4th Floor Riverview Lounge
Tuesday, Nov. 13
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
 
Register online here or simply walk in on any day. You can also call 800-933-2566 or visit nybloodcenter.org.
 
New York City Rescue Mission is housing evacuees and needs food, water and generators. For more information, visit nycrescue.org.
 
North Shore Animal League America is taking in animals from shelters affected by flooding and also operating mobile rescue units to provide food, shelter and medical care. To donate or adopt a pet, visit animalleague.org.
 
The NYCService website lists ways to donate cash, goods and services and offers a volunteer signup link. The site also lists NYC Department of Parks & Recreation locations that are organizing cleanup and need volunteers. For details, visit nyc.gov/service.
 
Red Cross is accepting donations that will help provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by the storm. The organization is also seeking donations to make up for blood drives cancelled due to the storm. To donate, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text the word "Redcross" to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
 
Salvation Army mobile food units and shelters along the East Coast are working to supply thousands in the most heavily hit areas with food, clean-up kits and emotional care. Donors can contribute by visiting salvationarmyusa.org or through text message by sending the word STORM to 80888 and giving $10. Confirm your donation with the word “Yes.”