Quiet

I just can't go about my business, not when I have read and seen the sadness and tragedy that Sandy has caused. The joys of life have been muted by the same harrowing power that sustains us, and I wonder, are we responsible in any way? Do we have some part to play? What have we neglected and ignored?

Despite whatever the answers might be, our current attention is demanded east. If you are inclined to help in any way, I have copied a list of charity organizations that we can donate to safely and confidently:

"Donate blood -- The Red Cross had to cancel about 300 blood drives because of the storm and supplies are running low. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule a donation appointment in your area. The New York Blood Center is also collecting blood donations in the New York/New Jersey area.

Give food and shelter -- The Red Cross and the Salvation Army are providing emergency shelter and meals for evacuees.

Help children in need -- Save the Children and World Vision are paying special attention to the needs of children affected by the storm.

Care for animals -- The Humane Society of the United States and the American Humane Association have teams working to save the lives of animals caught in the storm.

Provide emergency supplies -- AmeriCares, Catholic Charities USA, Direct Relief International, Feeding America and Operation Blessing International are providing food, medical supplies, emergency kits and support for people in need.

Join in the cleanup -- Team Rubicon has dispatched veteran field teams to start working right away, and Samaritan's Purse is looking for volunteers to help rebuild after the storm passes.

Help outside the U.S. -- Hurricane Sandy took a deadly toll on the Caribbean before it hit the United States. Operation USA and the International Medical Corps are helping people affected by Sandy in Haiti and Cuba. Operation USA is also providing aid to the East Coast. "

Original source here.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
~ Charles Dickens

Wishing you light, love, and kindness....

xoxo