Relief efforts in full swing

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More than 5,700 disaster workers and hundreds of Red Cross vehicles have been mobilized to help in the Greater New York area. Organizations including the Red Cross have provided more than 127,000 shelter stays. In addition to the millions of meals served, the Red Cross has handed out more than 272,000 relief items already and provided more than 40,300 health services and emotional support contacts.

To get involved with the Red Cross, you can call its offices in Mineola at (516) 747-3500. To volunteer, you must be over age 16, able to lift and carry 50 pounds and comfortable working with people in stressful situations. Or, to make a $10 donation, text the word REDCROSS to 90999.

Island Harvest, Long Island’s largest hunger relief organization, has been distributing tens of thousands of sandwiches, water, and nonperishable food items, including cereal, peanut butter, and shelf stable canned goods throughout the region.

“During our visits to the hurricane-stricken areas, we’ve received an outpouring of gratitude,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest, in a release last week. “Many residents expressed their thankfulness to receive fresh food and cold water. So many victims of the hurricane remain positive and their resilience is remarkable.”

On the day of the Nor’easter, Nov. 7, Island Harvest distributed 117,100 pounds of food — more than 97,500 meals — and water to hard-hit neighborhoods, including Long Beach, Oceanside, Baldwin Harbor and Island Park.

Island Harvest is seeking donations of funds and nonperishable food items, such as canned goods, rice, pasta, shelf-stable juice and baby formula.

Island Harvest has implemented its “Text to Donate” system. Those interested in providing support can text HUNGER RELIEF to 266266 to make a financial donation. To donate online or to find out about volunteer opportunities, visit www.islandharvest.org or call (516) 294-8528 or (631) 873-4775. If you know of a neighborhood in need of support, please call (631) 873-4775, or send an email to migdalia@islandharvest.org. People can also mail in donations to Island Harvest at 199 Second St., Mineola, NY 11501.

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