Random Rockness
Hurricane Sandy: How You Can Help
November 1, 2012
What a weird week. Hurricane Sandy did her damage, that's for sure. Hopefully, most of you lucked out and escaped her full fury. But we know some of you didn’t. The spectrum of how you were affected is great - from losing power (that for most has yet to be found) and a miserable bus commute to....well, terrible scenarios of personal and public ruination. For most, today might be the day things slowly start to crawl back to normal. For most, the same small pleasures and tiny annoyances of a life most regular will once again float to the surface. For most, Hurricane Sandy will soon become one more insane NYC story to be told. But for some, Hurricane Sandy won’t be a story or a chapter. For some, it’s the start of a different life. For some, right now is about processing and assessing. For some, recovery is officially being listed as TBA. And those people - if they’re not you : we hope they’re not you - could use a hand. Below are a few links that will guide you on the different ways you can volunteer - ways both standard and creative. The aftermath of a hurricane doesn’t take days or weeks. It takes nobody knows. But one thing most of us know - these things take our time and energies.
DONATE MONEY
=====================
TO NEW YORK CARES
Text iCARE to 85944 to donate $10.
TO THE RED CROSS
https://www.redcross.org/donate/index.jsp?donateStep=2&itemId=prod10002
BUY THE HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF T-SHIRT BY JETTY
DONATE TO YOUR YOUR LOCAL PARKS
Many city parks suffered major damage, including Hudson River Park and Prospect Park where we all enjoy some great FREE summer concerts.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
From your local venue to your local independent pharmacy, book store, deli, you name it. Many small business owners have been affected at home or at work. Help keep them in your neighborhood and in business.
DONATE YOUR TIME
=====================
EXPERIENCE WITH MEDICAL and MENTAL HEALTH
NYC Medical Reserve Corps Medical (and some non-medical volunteers) are encouraged to join the NYC Medical Reserve Corps, where they will be credentialed (NYC then covers liability for MRC volunteers when activated!), receive (free!) trainings, and will be given priority for potential deployments, much like this one.
NYC MRC is currently covering triage at most evacuation centers, and providing mental health support at special medical needs shelters. Unaffiliated volunteers are obviously welcome, but pre-identified, credentialed, and trained volunteers are always what they strive for!
TECH SKILLS
If you have tech skills to offer to get businesses get their technology back online, please sign up here: http://bit.ly/hurricanetechvolunteers
VOLUNTEER AT LOCAL SHELTERS
Check with your local shelter to see if they need assistance and volunteers. Many need staff support, help in the kitchen, and overnight volunteers. Many also need reading materials, games and entertainment.
CALL FOR MUSICIANS
According to New York State Democratic Committee Member Chris Owens, MUSICIANS are needed at the shelters to provide entertainment: "Singers and musicians are most welcome (particularly during the day hours), and anyone who can be creative with activities for children. There may not be a lot of space to work with, but I have faith in my fellow cultural workers. Those who carry portable instruments (e.g. - your own voice, guitars, accordions, light percussion) will have the easiest time of it, but some schools with open auditoriums have a working piano!"
NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S OFFICE
Sign up to volunteer.
VOLUNTEER AT YOUR LOCAL PARK
Hudson River Park needs volunteers Friday 11/2 and next week. DETAILS >>
DELIVER DONATIONS Have a van? Contact your local donation collection center and volunteer to deliver donations to an area in need.
DONATE FOOD
=====================
Donate at Councilmember Steve Levin's Office (410 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217)
Biggest need is WATER (sending to Breezy Point residents), unused toiletries, and baby items (diapers, wipes, blankets, etc.). Also accepting non-perishable food donations. Lots of displaced kids so Mac and Cheese, water and milk, disposable plates/cups to serve.
FIND MANY MORE WAYS TO HELP AT WNYC >>
DONATE MONEY
=====================
TO NEW YORK CARES
Text iCARE to 85944 to donate $10.
TO THE RED CROSS
https://www.redcross.org/donate/index.jsp?donateStep=2&itemId=prod10002
BUY THE HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF T-SHIRT BY JETTY
DONATE TO YOUR YOUR LOCAL PARKS
Many city parks suffered major damage, including Hudson River Park and Prospect Park where we all enjoy some great FREE summer concerts.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
From your local venue to your local independent pharmacy, book store, deli, you name it. Many small business owners have been affected at home or at work. Help keep them in your neighborhood and in business.
DONATE YOUR TIME
=====================
EXPERIENCE WITH MEDICAL and MENTAL HEALTH
NYC Medical Reserve Corps Medical (and some non-medical volunteers) are encouraged to join the NYC Medical Reserve Corps, where they will be credentialed (NYC then covers liability for MRC volunteers when activated!), receive (free!) trainings, and will be given priority for potential deployments, much like this one.
NYC MRC is currently covering triage at most evacuation centers, and providing mental health support at special medical needs shelters. Unaffiliated volunteers are obviously welcome, but pre-identified, credentialed, and trained volunteers are always what they strive for!
TECH SKILLS
If you have tech skills to offer to get businesses get their technology back online, please sign up here: http://bit.ly/hurricanetechvolunteers
VOLUNTEER AT LOCAL SHELTERS
Check with your local shelter to see if they need assistance and volunteers. Many need staff support, help in the kitchen, and overnight volunteers. Many also need reading materials, games and entertainment.
CALL FOR MUSICIANS
According to New York State Democratic Committee Member Chris Owens, MUSICIANS are needed at the shelters to provide entertainment: "Singers and musicians are most welcome (particularly during the day hours), and anyone who can be creative with activities for children. There may not be a lot of space to work with, but I have faith in my fellow cultural workers. Those who carry portable instruments (e.g. - your own voice, guitars, accordions, light percussion) will have the easiest time of it, but some schools with open auditoriums have a working piano!"
NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S OFFICE
Sign up to volunteer.
VOLUNTEER AT YOUR LOCAL PARK
Hudson River Park needs volunteers Friday 11/2 and next week. DETAILS >>
DELIVER DONATIONS Have a van? Contact your local donation collection center and volunteer to deliver donations to an area in need.
DONATE FOOD
=====================
Donate at Councilmember Steve Levin's Office (410 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217)
Biggest need is WATER (sending to Breezy Point residents), unused toiletries, and baby items (diapers, wipes, blankets, etc.). Also accepting non-perishable food donations. Lots of displaced kids so Mac and Cheese, water and milk, disposable plates/cups to serve.
FIND MANY MORE WAYS TO HELP AT WNYC >>
