Hurricane Sandy: How you can help

Hurricane Sandy: How you can help

Our thoughts and prayers are with our Girl Scout sisters, their families and others affected by the destruction Hurricane Sandy left behind earlier this week—more than a dozen Girl Scout councils were affected, as well as Girl Scouts of the USA offices, which are expected to reopen no earlier than Monday, Nov. 5. At this time, many disaster relief organizations are not able to accept in-kind donations such as food, clothing or furniture. While Girl Scouts does not allow fundraising on behalf of outside organizations, we recognize that sending funds may be the quickest and most effective way to lend a hand during this difficult time.

Below is a list of ways individuals can help:

The Red Cross opened more than 250 shelters across 16 states that provided overnight stays to nearly 11,000 people the night the superstorm made landfall. Go online to make a donation, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Nearly 360 Red Cross blood drives have been cancelled due to the storm, representing a loss of as many as 12,000 blood and platelet products. The Red Cross is asking people who are eligible, especially in places not affected by the storm, to schedule a blood donation now. To schedule a donation time or get more information about giving blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Blood donors must be at least 17 years of age, meet weight and height requirements and be in general good health. Donors should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID to the donation station.

The Salvation Army is currently serving Hurricane Sandy survivors and first responders in seven states with food, water, cleanup kits, emotional and spiritual care and more. To support the Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services fund, go online or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769). Donate $10 to the disaster relief by texting the word STORM to 80888 and confirming the donation with the word “Yes.”

Team Rubicon, a disaster relief organization composed of veteran volunteers, has sent more than 100 team members on 11 teams to the East Coast, making it the largest Team Rubicon response to date. Team Rubicon's mission is to "unite the skills and experience of military veterans with medical professionals" in crisis situations.

Samaritan's Purse is responding to Hurricane Sandy by sending staff, equipment and volunteers to three locations in New Jersey. Volunteers are needed to assist with debris cleanup and mud removal.