Community Corner

Superstorm Sandy Relief: How You Can Help

Here is how donations from East Greenwich can aid victims in most affected areas.


Barrington was largely spared from catastrophic damage from Superstorm Sandy, but Rhode Island ocean communities were not so lucky and, of course, those in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut were also hit very hard.

Patch has gathered some local resources if you want to help in relief efforts.

In Rhode Island, if you are interested in volunteering, contact Serve Rhode Island.

Find out what's happening in Barringtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

To donate, RI Emergency Management recommends donations be made to a recognized volunteer agency of the individual's choice or you can call 2-1-1. Donations may also be made through the National Donation Management Network (NDMN).

Volunteers in New Jersey are being coordinated through an emergency response hotline, 1-800-JERSEY-7 (1-800-537-7397). Alternate numbers, for when the hotline isn’t staffed, include 609-775-5236 and 908-303-0471 or emails can be sent to Rowena.Madden@sos.state.nj.us.

Find out what's happening in Barringtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The New York City agency NYC Service is coordinating volunteers for various relief projects in New York City. Go to its Facebook page  or email nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov with your name and email address.

The American Red Cross is collecting funds and coordinating blood donations. The organization sheltered more than 3,000 people across nine states during the worst of the storm. You can donate $10 by phone by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999.

Sandy has caused the cancellation of about 300 American Red Cross blood drives.

“Patients will still need blood despite the weather,” said Dr. Richard Benjamin, chief medical officer of the Red Cross, in a statement.  

To schedule a blood donation here in Rhode Island, visit the Rhode Island Blood Center website or call (800) 283-8385.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) takes donations to rescue and shelter animals affected by the storm. Nearly 300 animals are staying with their owners in shelters in the New York City area, the agency said.

The ASPCA is also setting up a distribution center in Syracuse, New York with 4,000 sheltering units, which contain pet food, crates, food bowls, toys, and anything else an animal may need. 

The Salvation Army: You can donate $10 to the Salvation Army by texting “STORM” to 80888. If you are already volunteer-certified, you can sign up to help out with disaster relief.

AmeriCares: You can donate to AmeriCares’ relief fund to help the organization, which is distributing supplies to 130 clinics in the 13 states affected by Sandy.

To follow news from some of the most affected areas and see how local residents are faring, here are links to Patch sites:

Narragansett-South Kingstown Patch

Stonington-Mystic Patch

Groton Patch

Greenwich Patch (CT)

Hoboken Patch

Ocean City Patch 

Point Pleasant Patch

Do you know of any groups in Rhode Island organizing supplies or donations for Superstorm Sandy victims? Tell us in the comments.


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