Adam Hunger / Reuters Emergency personnel rescue residents from flood waters brought on by Hurricane Sandy in Little Ferry, New Jersey, October 30, 2012. By Suzanne Choney, TODAY.com If you want to help those hurt by the storm, you can donate to these organizations; some of them have options to donate via text message, as well as by phone or online: AMERICAN RED CROSS Text message: Text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. As in the case with other donations via mobile, the donation will show up on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your balance if you have a prepaid phone. You need to be 18 or older, or have parental permission, to donate this way. (If you change your mind, text the word STOP to 90999.) Phone: 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767); for Spanish speakers, 800-257-7575; for TDD, 800-220-4095. To donate blood: Visit this Red Cross Web page. Online: American Red Cross SALVATION ARMY Text message: Text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation. To confirm the donation, respond with the word "Yes." Phone: 800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2769) Online: Salvation Army; here's the organization's New Jersey site, and its Greater New York site. HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES Phone: 301-258-8276 Online: Humane Society of the United States AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION Text message: Text the word HUMANE to 80888 to donate $10. Phone: 866-242-1877. Online: The AHA's website for donating is here. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Phone: As of Tuesday morning, Habitat's online donation system was not available. If you want to make a donation, you can call Habitat's Partner Service Center at 800-HABITAT (422-4828). Press "0" when prompted and representatives will take your donation information over the phone. Online: This is Habitat for Humanity's main website. COMMUNITY FOODBANK OF NEW JERSEY Phone: (908) 355- FOOD (3663), ext. 243. Online: Community FoodBank of New Jersey FEEDING AMERICA Phone: 800-910-5524 Online: This is Feeding America's main website. CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA Online: More information here; main website here. Phone: 800-919-9338 AMERICARES Phone: 800-486-4357. DIRECT RELIEF INTERNATIONAL Text message: Text the word RELIEF to 27722 to give $10. Phone: 805-964-4767. Online: Direct Relief International is the main website; go here to donate online. WORLD VISION Text message: Text the word GIVEUSA to 777444 to donate $10. Phone: 888-511-6443. Online: For World Vision's Hurricane Sandy relief, click here. WHAT ELSE TO THINK ABOUT Remember that while giving is good, beware of those out there who are not good and are trying to trick you by taking your money. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene last year, the Federal Trade Commission's caution still holds true: "Scammers may try to take advantage of a disaster, and so consumers should be wary of urgent appeals for charitable donations, and watch out for fraudulent home repair schemes after a storm." You can read more about avoiding home repair rip-offs and charity fraud from the FTC. Also, the FBI has counseled on its Facebook page "to beware of fraudulent emails and websites claiming to conduct charitable relief efforts. Disasters prompt individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization or a good cause," and suggests reading "Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes" to learn more about avoiding online fraud. |
10/30/2012
Sandy's aftermath: How you can help
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