Volunteers needed: You can help with Sandy cleanup

By Julie Hays

updated 5:36 PM EDT, Thu November 01, 2012

NEED TO KNOW

Groups are registering volunteers to help with relief efforts
Volunteers should not self-deploy -- for their own safety and that of others

Cleanup efforts from Superstorm Sandy could take weeks.

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Thousands of homes were partially covered in sand after Superstorm Sandy came ashore in New Jersey.

When the water recedes and the winds calm, the cleanup from Superstorm Sandy will just be beginning. Relief groups and state agencies are registering volunteers to help in the days and weeks to come.

The New York mayor's office says volunteers should register through NYC Service. People will be notified of opportunities as they become available.

New York Cares coordinates volunteers for 1,300 groups in the area. The organization is preliminarily registering volunteers and will be organizing disaster recovery projects.

New Jersey activated a Volunteer Emergency Response Hotline. Local volunteers can call 1-800-JERSEY-7 (1-800-537-7397) to register. The New Jersey Office of Volunteerism and AmeriCorps will match you, based on your availability and skills.

Boston Cares is organizing volunteers to help in locations across Massachusetts. There is an immediate need for additional help at Red Cross shelters.

United Way is organizing volunteers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Go online for more information and to fill out the volunteer form.

Volunteers in Rhode Island can sign up for on-call opportunities through ServeRhodeIsland.org.

Samaritan's Purse will be gathering teams to help with debris cleanup throughout the East Coast. Volunteers of any skill level can register online.

Red Cross volunteers have come from across the country to help. Become a Red Cross Disaster Volunteer and support future Red Cross disaster response efforts.

Local Community Emergency Response Teams have also responded with help during and after the storm. To learn about CERT training and find programs in your area, go online.

There are also a number of organizations that specifically focus on helping pets: AHA, ASPCA, Humane Society, Best Friends Animal Society of New York and Petsmart Charities, among them.

In all emergency and disaster situations, volunteers should not self-deploy -- for their own safety and that of others. Visit Impact Your World for more ways to get involved and help all those affected by Superstorm Sandy.

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