Sandy’s Aftermath — Text to Donate $ to the Red Cross to help with Relief

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The damage and scale of the superstorm Sandy continues to come to light today. At least 56 people in the U.S. were killed and another 67 in the Caribbean. Cost estimates are in the $60 billion range and more than 4 million people remain without power. Reports from all of the major news organizations paint a more complete picture by the hour – ranging from major inconvenience to total devastation. To add to the concern, the temperatures in the region have dropped to 35F/2C at night. And there are still questions as to when the power will be restored. There are people who need help – right now.

Beyond sending heartfelt support and love to our friends in the affected region – we can donate the Red Cross, to help bring much needed distribution of hot meals, water, snacks and relief supplies – like blankets. The Red Cross is mobilizing an additional 80,000 blankets for New York and New Jersey and more than 5,000 Red Cross workers from all over the country are supporting shelters, providing food and water at fixed sites, and driving through neighborhoods to distribute meals and supplies. Sixty trailers of relief supplies such as personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, rakes, shovels, tarps, dust masks and work gloves were delivered this weekend in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. But this is just the beginning. The response to Sandy is going to be massive – and very costly.

I just donated again to the Red Cross. They make it very easy to do by simply texting “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. For more details on how to help in a variety of ways go here.

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To see more photos go to The Atlantic photo essay. Heartbreaking photography that informs the world. Thanks to those photographers and news organizations who bring this information to us.