By Ali Palmieri
Many people have reached out to help Hurricane Sandy Victims in the wake of the tragedy. One of the biggest helpers is the federal government. The U.S. Department of Labor is continuing support of state and local partners. In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, the U.S. Department of Labor approved a $1.5 million National Emergency Grant to assist Rhode Island with cleanup and recovery efforts. "Hurricane Sandy unleashed incredible winds and rainfall that affected many lives in Rhode Island," stated Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "As directed by President Obama, the Labor Department has expedited funding in order to offer state and local partners immediate support for their storm recovery efforts." Of the $1.5 million, $500,000 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.
Other organizations are donating significant amounts of money such as the Home Depot Foundation. They are committing $1 million to immediate relief and long term rebuilding efforts. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) provides emergency funding to qualified animal welfare organizations and government agencies whose communities suffer the impact of natural and other disasters. Eligible nonprofit organizations may apply via the ASPCA's Application for Disaster and Emergency Response and Preparation.
Shopko Foundation, located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is committed to assisting the victims of the storm that displaced so many. The retailer has answered the call put out by the American Red Cross by making a $25,000 donation from the Shopko Foundation to support the Red Cross' critical relief efforts. Shopko has a storied history of supporting relief efforts across the United States and abroad. From donating funds in the aftermath of 9/11 to delivering assistance to Haiti after the devastating earthquake, Shopko seeks to serve as a positive corporate role model.
ABC Television Group collected more than $17 million in donations from its "Day of Giving," in which programming that aired from morning to night encouraged viewers to make financial donations that would be directed to those Americans that need it the most.
The New Jersey Business Community is pooling a vast amount of funds from organizations such as, JPMorgan Chase, Hess Corporation and Prudential Foundation. Also, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association provides comprehensive disaster recovery information for businesses at its website, www.NJBIA.org.
Many people are reaching out in any way they can and this includes individuals from all over the country. People are donating money through text messaging, physical donations of money and needed items such as blankets, jackets and other cold weather gear. There are even programs to adopt a family and keep in correspondence with them. They let you know what they need and you send it as you can. There is no doubt that Americans come together during times of tragedy and the amount of money from the federal level to the individual shows the compassion of our country at its finest.