How to help victims of Hurricane Sandy

A weakened superstorm Sandy is making its way farther north as people across the Eastern Seaboard assess the damage it's wrought. The so-called Frankenstorm left some 50 people dead in the U.S. after killing another 69 in the Caribbean last week, and the cost of repairing damage to buildings and infrastructure in the U.S. could reach $20 billion or more, according to early estimates. With victims beginning to pick up the pieces, a flood of donors and volunteers is providing food, shelter, clothing, and support. Here, a few ways you can lend a hand:

The Red Cross

All donations to the Red Cross provide food, shelter, and other assistance to those affected by Sandy. Visit www.redcross.org or call 800-RED-CROSS to help. Text "Redcross" to 90999 to give $10. During Sandy's assault, 100 Red Cross blood-donation events in the affected regions were canceled, so blood supply is low. To schedule an appointment to give blood, call The New York Blood Center at 800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org.

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The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has set up feeding units and shelters across the disaster zone. To assist their efforts in providing clothing, food, and beds to the displaced, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org. You can also donate $10 to the Salvation Army by texting "STORM" to 80888

NYCService

In New York City, where some 750,000 residents are without electricity, concerned citizens can email nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov — giving their name, email address, and borough — to get information about ways they can be of assistance.

New Jersey relief

The gambling mecca of Atlantic City and much of New Jersey's popular shoreline have been severely damaged. Volunteers are being coordinated through an emergency response hotline, 1-800-JERSEY-7 (1-800-537-7397). Alternate numbers, should you have trouble getting through, are 609-775-5236 and 908-303-0471.

International relief

Operation USA (www.opusa.org) and International Medical Corps (internationalmedicalcorps.org) are focusing their relief efforts on victims of Hurricane Sandy in Haiti and Cuba, where 69 people were killed when the storm passed there last week. Visit their websites to donate. Operation USA is also accepting text donations. Text "AID" to 50555 to donate $10.