New York has a special place in my heart. Yes it is the city that never sleeps, there are a bazillion things to do there at any time of the day or night and it has the most excellent pizza. I lived there for a year in my studio apartment the size of a toothpick. It was a time I will never forget. I had always wanted to live there and I finally made it happen. I loved every single crazy minute of it.

Unless you are living under a rock, I’m sure you know Hurricane Sandy hit the area hard last week. New York, New Jersey were hit the hardest – Homes are gone, some people are still without heat and electricity, their lives forever changed. I felt at a loss when my friends were on DAY SIX! of no power, gas a scarce commodity. I couldn’t do much from here except keeping them in my thoughts and prayers. But there are things we can do.

1. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give a $10 donation. It is that simple! Red Cross has been on the front lines offering aid.

2. If you are a business owner you can start a disaster relief program by telling your customers you will donate a dollar, fifty cents, twenty-five cents (Anything!) every time they buy a product of yours. Or you can have your employees contribute to the program and you match their contribution.

3. Volunteer your help by joining Samaritan’s Purse. They are asking for volunteers of all skill levels to help with debris clean up and mud outs. You have to be at least 14 years old to volunteer. Visit their website to join a team.

4.  Give blood. Almost 100 blood drives were canceled due to Sandy, and the result is low blood supplies. Call the Red Cross and make an appointment to give blood.

5. Look towards your community, find an organization that is collecting supplies to send to the victims – Blankets, canned foods, clothing,etc. If there isn’t one set up for this in your community then set one up yourself!

I will be visiting the states in a few weeks and I plan on helping in every way possible. Much love to those affected by Hurricane Sandy.