Hurricane Sandy: How To Help Victims and Fund Relief Efforts

As Hurricane Sandy batters much of the central-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, those of us on the West Coast are wondering how we can help those most in need. Here's how:

To help those affected donate through the Red Cross website or call (800) 733-2767. You can also text the word ‘REDCROSS’ to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter or the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Click here to donate to the Red Cross.

Donate to Monrovia-based charity World Vision International. From the charity's website: Make a one-time donation to World Vision’s U.S. Disaster Response Fund. The charity says contributions will help it "respond quickly and effectively to emergencies that that take place right here in the United States."

Relief organization Save the Children also is mobilizing response teams for the storm’s aftermath. The group provides child-friendly kits, including diapers and hygiene items to those in need. Click here to donate to Save the Children.

AmeriCares also is mobilizing its efforts to provide medical relief and humanitarian aid to the hardest hit areas. The organization will deliver medicines, First Aid kits, bottled water, cleaning products, flashlights and shelter supplies all along the East Coast, according to its website. Click here to donate to AmeriCares.