How Can You Help Hurricane Sandy Victims?

Kroger stores throughout the Atlanta area are encouraging customers and associates to donate to the American Red Cross, which is providing shelter, meals, emotional support and other necessities to those affected by the deadly aftermath of Hurricane Sandy after it made landfall on Monday.

In support of the thousands of Americans affected by Hurricane Sandy, Kroger launched a “Round-Up” campaign in which customers can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar – the difference benefiting the American Red Cross and its disaster relief efforts in the Northeast.

Customers can also make donations to the American Red Cross at Kroger cash registers or 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 at a center near you or for more information about giving blood or platelets, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

“Our hearts are with our friends and neighbors in New York, New Jersey, and across the East Coast who have been devastated by this unimaginable superstorm,” said Glynn Jenkins, director of communications and public relations for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “We ask that our customers come together as we ‘Round-Up’ support for Sandy’s countless victims. With their donations, we can help make a difference in the lives of so many.”

Donations can be made at all Kroger locations in the Atlanta Division, which includes, Georgia, South Carolina, Northern Alabama and Eastern Tennessee.

To find the Kroger store nearest you, click here.

Other organizations helping out include:

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 some of those Patch sites:

Massapequa (NY)

Bronxville-Eastchester (NY)

Long Beach (NY)

Fairfield Patch (CT)

Greenwich Patch (CT)

Hoboken Patch (NJ)

Ocean City Patch  (NJ)

Point Pleasant Patch (NJ)