Rebuilding
The past few days have been surreal. A week ago I was taking pictures at a rehearsal dinner.
Tonight I'm watching a telethon raising money to help MY city...
I am lucky enough to live in an apartment that never lost power. My roommates and I put out the call to our friends - inviting anyone from "SoPo" {south of power} to seek refuge with us. For the last 5 days we've had a full house. At first it felt like an extended Sunday Funday - but slowly the reality of why they were all there sank in. We saw images of lower Manhattan that you would think came out of a movie.
Today we watched the Con Edison twitter feed as they announced which neighborhoods had power back on, cheering and dancing for each one - not because we were sick of each other - but because each light that came back one was another step towards returning our city to life...
I've been truly amazed by New York the past few days. People with power running extension cords with power stripes into their front yards to share with those who had none. Gyms opening their doors to anyone in need of a hot shower. Everyone jumping at any opportunity to volunteer or lend a hand... I love you New York - now more than ever.
Thanks to my co-worker for this list of ways to help:
Red Cross
All donations will provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by the storm. To donate, visit www.redcross.org, call 800-Red-Cross or text the word “Redcross” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
NY Blood Center
Nearly 100 Red Cross blood drives were canceled because of Sandy, so blood supplies are low in the areas affected the most. The New York Blood Center is urging people to donate blood for those in the New York/New Jersey area. To donate, call 800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org.
Feeding America
All donations will provide emergency food, water and supplies. To donate, visitwww.feedingamerica.org or call 800-910-5524.
AmeriCares
All donations will provide medicine and other supplies to people affected by Hurricane Sandy. To donate, visit www.americares.org.
Save the Children
All donations will provide relief to families and their children. Visit www.savethechildren.orgto donate.
New York Cares
New York Cares is accepting volunteers, but is asking for those who have previously attended an orientation seminar. If that’s you, visit www.newyorkcares.org for more information. If you haven’t preregistered, text iCARE to 85944 to donate $10.
The Food Bank For New York City
You can help by donating money, food, or volunteering your time to serve hot meals. Text FBNYC to 50555 to make a donation from your mobile device
*Images via coco kelley & by me