Helping Hurricane Sandy Victims This Thanksgiving

As we gather around for a Thanksgiving meal with family, friends and loved ones, we are grateful for what we have and are reminded of those that are less fortunate. For many, this holiday season has been marred by Hurricane Sandy and the destruction left behind. The super-storm that touched down in late October left millions of New York and New Jersey residents without power or heat. Others weren't so lucky; many families are now homeless after their houses were destroyed by water, fire and debris. 

People across the country have rallied together to help those affected. Millions of dollars in donations poured in to the American Red Cross and other organizations. Trucks filled to the brim with supplies from as far away as California traveled to New York and New Jersey. Volunteers by the thousands have made their way to soup kitchens, pantries, shelters and community centers in areas hardest hit.

Celebrities did their part by rolling up their sleeves and helping out in the relief effort. We take a look at how they volunteered their time and list how you can, too.

New York Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony took a break from basketball and traveled to his hometown of Red Hook, Brooklyn to lend a hand.Through his charity, the Carmelo Anthony Foundation in conjunction with Feed The Children and Metro Ministries, the Knicks captain delivered 500 boxes filled with food and supplies just one block from where he grew up. Many of the residents there have been without power since the storm.

“I wanted to step up to the forefront,” said Anthony, who spoke to reporters on the scene. “We all know what Sandy did to our city,especially to Brooklyn, and to Red Hook, with us being right here on the water. It hit us pretty bad, so I feel like I’m the face of Red Hook and I wanted to come back and give back to the place I grew up.”

Hurricane Sandy left hundreds of people disenfranchised. Rapper Game spent Election Day in New York and although he voted for President Obama via absentee ballot, that didn't stop him from helping others to vote. Game donated $10,000 helping New Yorkers stranded by Hurricane Sandy get to the polls.Regardless of their political affiliation, Game provided money for gas or bus or train tickets and even gave a few fans rides.

R&B singer Rihanna teamed up with New York’s Daily News to provide some much-needed warmth. The ‘Diamonds’ singer donated 1,000 sleeping bags to the newspaper’s Hurricane Sandy drive. In addition, Rihanna also hosted a listening party for her Unapologetic album at Jay-Z’s 40/40 club and urged her fans to bring donations asking for everything from blankets to bleach. The supplies gathered were handed out in the Rockaways, Staten Island and Coney Island.

Talk show host Wendy Williams volunteered her time to help man the phones during ABC’s ‘Day of Giving’ telethon. Proceeds were donated to the American Red Cross, which went directly to the relief efforts. Williams also asked members of her studio audience to bring in canned food and supplies and she personally delivered them to her hometown of Asbury Park, NJ. While there,Williams stopped by the Springwood Center and catered 300 meals to members in the community.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker opened his heart and home to those without power. The mayor offered up his home, heat and electricity after one frustrated Newark resident vented via twitter about not having any power replying, “There is someone at my house now (Eric). I've got space u can relax in, charge devices & even a working DVD player.” About a dozen people took Mayor Booker up on his offer.

One of the best ways singers and rappers can help out is to use their talents and star power to raise money. That is exactly what Kanye West and Alicia Keys intend to do. They have been recruited to perform at the “12.12.12” the Concert For Sandy Relief at Madison Square Garden. West and Keys will be joined by other artists including Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band and The Who. Proceeds from the night will benefit the Robin Hood Relief Fund, which is providing money and materials to local organizations helping those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

HOW TO HELP:
There are many ways to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy besides donating to the Red Cross, AmeriCares and other charities. The websites of FEMA, Goodwill and Corporation for National & Community Service are keeping a list of state and local organizations coordinating recovery efforts. For those that are looking to offer more than money, many local organizations are looking for volunteers to help hand out food, deliver supplies and clean up.

New York Cares has an updated list for volunteers to help out around the city. Bay Ridge Cares Kitchen is preparing meals for those hard hit by the storm and are looking for drivers, cooks and grocery donations.

Food and household supplies are in great demand. Some of the items needed include non-perishable food, diapers, wet wipes, blankets,flashlights, batteries, cleaning products, toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant along with warm clothes and coats.  Occupy Sandy is collecting supplies and donations for people in New York and New Jersey. New York City YMCA is looking for school supplies for students affected by the storm.

Animal lovers looking to temporarily house displaced pets can contact the Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue. Adopt NY is requesting pet food and supplies.