Personally I took $$$ from my household budget and sent donations online to Red Cross and Umcor (Methodist group that sent trained volunteers to help the Red Cross). I will likely donate to some local animal shelters as well. I feel fortunate to be able to help.

There is a big need and a mix of secular/religious groups that are helping with the relief effort. If a million people are able to give $10 to the Red Cross it obviously adds up. And does a whole lot more than Romney's cans of peas. Also, blood is needed. I know many folks are strapped for cash but a blood donation is something many can do without donating a penny.

Here is a great article from ABC News with some of the orgs that are involved in the effort:

If you aren't able to personally provide shelter and supplies to those affected by Hurricane Sandy, it doesn't mean you can't help at all. There are many organizations along the East Coast that are providing shelter, food and other supplies to victims of superstorm Sandy.

One way to help is by donating to the 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.

Nearly 100 Red Cross blood drives were canceled because of Sandy, so blood supplies are low in the areas affected the most. The Red Cross asks that those who can donate to schedule an appointment to give blood. 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.

much more here: http://abcnews.go.com/US/hurricane-sandy-victims/story?id=17598687#.UJEaIYYieSo

Queens in particular took a big hit (flooding/fires):

I hope it is ok to post in both forums - due to the number of states affected and predicted magnitude of this storm I thought I would put it here in general as well. My vet sent this out and encouraged us to share widely -

Hurricane Preparedness for Pet Owners

Dr. Ernie Ward

Having lived on the coast of North Carolina for the past 20 years, I’ve seen my fair share of hurricanes. Whenever hurricane warnings go out, pet owners begin to scramble. I’ve compiled a list of items and actions you should take to make sure you are pet-prepared if a “bad blow” should impact your home.
Use a pet carrier.

One of the most important pieces of equipment you can have during an evacuation or severe weather is a pet carrier. This is especially important when transporting small dogs and cats. Carriers are often required at many shelters and can serve as a safe space for a nervous pet. Be sure to label the carrier with your pet’s name, breed, sex, date of birth, your current address and contact numbers and any important medical information.

Make sure you have at least two weeks of your pet’s medications on hand ...

Much more here: http://www.drernieward.com/hurricane-preparedness-for-pet-owners/

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10132155

It's a very interesting experience that will give you a new appreciation for what goes into running a board of this size. The admins are soliciting volunteers for the next session (it's usually 3 months) so if you are on-line a fair amount you may want to apply.

Ecuador Remembers Che Guevara on the 45th Anniversary of his Assassination
2012.10.04 - 09:19:08 / web@radiorebelde.icrt.cu

Ecuador Remembers Che Guevara on the 45th Anniversary of his Assassination

HAVANA, Cuba.- Several activities, some of them presided over by Brigadier General (r) Harry Villegas (Pombo), a Cuban comrade in arms of Commander Ernesto Guevara, will honor the Heroic Guerrilla in Ecuador, on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of his assassination.

Pombo, as Che referred to him on his campaign diaries in the Congo and Bolivia, will give a lecture at the Ecuadorian Culture Center in Quito on Friday, in which he will tell about his experiences during the years he shared with the legendary Latin American revolutionary, the Prensa Latina news agency reported on Wednesday.

Participating in the meeting will be writer Raul Perez, president of the Center; Jorge Rodriguez, Cuba’s ambassador to Ecuador; and Rosa Mireya Cardenas, secretary for Peoples, Social Movements and Citizen Participation of the host country.

A book on anecdotes of the years they fought together, entitled “Pombo, un hombre de la guerrilla del Che,” (Pombo, a Man of Che’s Guerilla) will also be presented in that South American nation ...

More here: http://www.radiorebelde.cu/english/news/ecuador-remembers-che-guevara-on-the-45th-anniversary-of-his-assassination-20121004/

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