United Way Steps Up Sandy Relief Efforts [AUDIO]

As New Jerseyans continue on the road to recovery in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the United Way is among many charitable organizations around the country that have stepped up their efforts to aid residents of our state and the rest of the battered region.

The national group has set up the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund. Because so many states have been impacted, they have eased the process of allowing donors to allocate donations, where they see fit.

"The network created a single-point of contact where donors could give to the recovery effort and identify what state and local organizations they wanted their resources to go to," said Linda Gyimoty, Executive Director of the United Way Ocean County.

She has seen the storm's wrath first-hand as her local chapter works with the community and other charities to help residents in any way possible.

"We've been very hard hit in Ocean County. The residents, our entire community is reeling from the impact of this storm," she said.

Donors can contribute by visiting uwsandyrecovery.org or by texting "RECOVERY" to 52000 to make a ten dollar donation.

"We need to provide whatever help we can to the people who were hardest hit," Gyimoty explained.

An important part of the recovery is going to be keeping resources readily available for those who will be displaced and without power for an extended period of time.

"There's going to be a need for help in the next couple of days, but in the next couple of weeks and months, there's going to be some additional need here," she said.

While the road ahead is going to be a tall mountain to climb, Gyimoty says her United Way chapter is ready to tackle the work head-on and help everybody they can.

"Obviously we are going to need to rebuild our community. That's going to be really important to do, and it's going to take resources to do that."

MORE GOOD NEWS

Comcast

Comcast is helping the victims of Sandy by providing Xfinity WiFi hotspots to those in need, including non-Comcast subscribers. Non-Xfinity Internet users should search for the "xfinitywifi" network name and click on the "Not a Comcast subscriber?" link at the bottom of the sign-in page. Then select the "Complimentary Trial Session" option from the drop down list. Users will be able to renew their complimentary sessions every two hours through November 7. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi.

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless has establshed Wireless Emergency Communications Centers at two Red Cross shelters in Toms River. The centers are open to the public and provide voice and data capabilities to the community, and serve as charging stations for any personal devices. Each of the 40-ft. trailers is equipped with 20 laptops running on jetpacks and 40 devices that anyone can use during the hours of 9am to 5pm. The two locations are Toms River High School North on Old Freehold Road and Toms River High School East on Raider Way. To learn more visit, http://news.verizonwireless.com/news/2012/11/device-charging-stations-hurricane-sandy.html

All County Exteriors

All County Exteriors located in Lakewood is currently collecting food, clothing, house supplies, toiletries and other items to help bring relief to those families impacted by Sandy. The donations will help those in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, two of the hardest hit areas. All donations can be sent to 560 Cross Street, Lakewood, NJ 08701. To learn more, visit www.allcountyexteriors.com.

Rebounderz

Rebounderz, an indoor trampoline arena in Edison, is raising money for those affected by Sandy through their Jump4Jersey fundraiser. For every customer, $1.00 will be donated. In addition, Rebounderz is also accepting donations from its customers. On November 5, the company will close its doors so that workers can assist those in need at the shore by handing out water and food. To learn more, www.rebounderzEdison.com.