How to Help Hurricane Sandy Victims

A week ago, Hurricane Sandy was barely even mentioned on the hourly weather forecast, and now, the epic cyclone's damage is almost irreversible. With much of the East Coast still buried under feet of water, fallen trees and debris, and fire-induced catastrophes, it's going to take as many of us as possible to restore the affected areas back to their former glory.

But here's the good news: It's easier to lend a helping hand than you think. Here are MC's top five ways to get involved in the Sandy relief effort.

1. If you're an East Coaster, lend supplies, food, and shelter to those without power. There's no better feeling than opening up your home to those you need it most, and you'll realize just how lucky you are.

2. Donate to the Red Cross. All donations provide shelter, food, emotional support, and more to those most affected by Sandy. For more information or to donate, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-Red-Cross, or text the word "Redcross" to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

3. Check out AmeriCares, the leading disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization in the U.S. AmeriCares donates medicines, medical supplies, and aid to people in crisis, and it's incredibly easy to donate on their website at americares.org.

4. Through the Salvation Army, volunteer, give to a thrift store, and even donate your airplane miles. Donating to the Salvation Army is one of the easiest ways to give back, because there's so many options for which you can be charitable. Make a cash donation, too, at https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/disaster.

5. Email NYCService. In our beloved city of NYC, some 750,000 residents are without power. Email nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov to get information about ways to best help. All you have to state in your email is your name, email address, and borough, and you'll be assigned to a project for which you'll be needed most.