As I somewhat mentioned on Monday, although I physically work in Orlando, my position deals exclusively with a client based out of lower Manhattan and their office is still as yet inaccessible.  Although I believe everyone is relatively safe, several people I work with directly on a daily basis either can’t get to their homes or do not have homes any longer.  The devastation is massive and ongoing.  People are stranded, running out of gas & food.  They still do not have power.  It’s cold and miserable.

Photos like this:

SOURCE: @k_ved on Twitter

…and this:

SOURCE: @adammshankman on Twitter

Just keep me in awe, and make me feel so helpless.  It seems like there is so little I can do.

But according to the American Red Cross, there are two MAJOR ways you can help with the relief efforts.  The first way is to donate blood.  According to @redcross on Twitter, Hurricane Sandy caused 300 blood drives to be cancelled, leading to a shortfall of almost 9000 units.  Click here to find out more about how to donate blood, including a way to find local chapters and blood drives by zip code.

The other way to help is to donate cash.  Easiest, no fuss, most effortless way to donate for most of us is to simply text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the American Red Cross.  If you are able and can afford it, please think about doing so.  There are so many Americans out there who have lost everything and need our help right now.