Millions of people from the Caribbean to Maine felt the pounding effects of Hurricane Sandy as it pummeled coastlines and devastated coastal communities. Communities suffered what many are saying is the most severe tropical storm in years; as a result of the storm, people found themselves with limited or no electricity, flooded streets, and severely damaged homes.

In the Caribbean alone, Hurricane Sandy left at least 69 people dead and thousands more homeless, with few funds available to rebuild. The extent of the damage in the United States began coming into focus on Monday, October 29, when the storm made landfall with hurricane-force winds gusting up to 80 miles per hour. Along Virginia’s Eastern Shore, more than 98,000 were left without power, sand from beaches was swept into residential neighborhoods and businesses were left partially boarded as Sandy ripped make-shift protective coverings from their windows. In New Jersey, homes were knocked off their foundations, boardwalks were wrecked and pier amusement park rides were cast into the sea. 

In addition to government support and relief, the nonprofit sector has responded immediately with relief and recovery efforts in coastal communities.

With several decades of experience in disaster relief work, charities have quickly shifted gears to provide swift, efficient and effective aid to those people affected by this catastrophe. From distributing relief kits filled with supplies such as blankets and flashlights, to providing shelter, local churches and nonprofits are opening their doors to those suffering from the storm. Many nonprofits are focusing their efforts on health-related relief such as counseling, blood services and cholera prevention.

Your gift to CFCNCA-funded charities will help ensure that individuals and communities have the resources required to rebuild and recover from Sandy’s devastating impact. Superstorm Sandy affected thousands of people on the East Coast of the United States. If you would like to support the relief efforts, please check FEMA’s website, which lists organizations providing assistance. Many of these organizations are part of the Combined Federal Campaign.

Find a charity with our Charity Search tool and donate today!