Local Foundations Call on Other Philanthropists: Support Nonprofits in Sandy Aftermath! - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Local Foundations Call on Other Philanthropists: Support Nonprofits in Sandy Aftermath! - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: In an opinion piece posted on NJ.com, representatives of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the Community Foundation of New Jersey pledge to help support nonprofit organizations in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. The article points out that a hidden and potentially devastating fallout from the storm is the impact it will have on nonprofit organizations that have seen demand for services skyrocket, but resources diminish as a result of the storm.

ShelterBox former chief executive denies gross misconduct allegations | Third Sector

ShelterBox former chief executive denies gross misconduct allegations | Third Sector: Home �
News �
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ShelterBox former chief executive denies gross misconduct allegations

By Andy Hillier, Third Sector Online, 20 November 2012

Tom Henderson, founder of the disaster relief charity, says he was removed because the board disliked his 'forthright management style'

The founder and former chief executive of ShelterBox has strenuously denied allegations that he was guilty of gross misconduct and said he was wrongfully dismissed.

‘HPU Cares’ Matches Student Donations for Hurricane Sandy Relief :: High Point University :: High Point University | High Point, NC

‘HPU Cares’ Matches Student Donations for Hurricane Sandy Relief :: High Point University :: High Point University | High Point, NC: HIGH POINT, N.C., DATE, 2012 – High Point University students are showing their support for families and friends affected by Hurricane Sandy through numerous fundraising events. The university is matching every dollar raised by the students to support relief and rebuilding efforts through the American Red Cross, totaling $13,500 raised so far.

Charitable parents raise charitable kids | Reuters

Charitable parents raise charitable kids | Reuters: No one knows how many kids have participated along with those who have funneled $117 million to the Red Cross since the superstorm, but experts say schoolkids' charitable initiatives spike after national disasters such as Sandy. And the lessons learned can stay with children for a lifetime.

Sandy’s Lesson: Today’s Relief System Doesn’t Work for the Vulnerable - Opinion - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Sandy’s Lesson: Today’s Relief System Doesn’t Work for the Vulnerable - Opinion - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Grass-roots leaders who lived through Superstorm Sandy have learned many painful lessons.

We now fully understand that extreme weather in the age of climate change and global warming knows no class, race, or privilege boundaries.

Art for Sandy: 12 Iconic Photographs to Benefit Hurricane Relief - LightBox

Art for Sandy: 12 Iconic Photographs to Benefit Hurricane Relief - LightBox: n collaboration with TIME’s photography editors, has launched Art for Sandy Relief, a curated collection of Hurricane Sandy benefit editions. The photographs showcase both milestones and the mundane, characterizing the ever-changing and now ever-changed landscape of the authentic New York. Art for Sandy Relief comprises one of the largest art-fundraising efforts for Sandy to date. Twelve photographs in all, these museum-quality prints of New York and New Jersey will launch in two sets: Monday, November 19th and Monday, December 3rd, with work from legendary photographers such as Eugene Richards, Joel Meyerowitz and Laura McPhee.

Five Steps to Successful Crisis Communications | Beth’s Blog

Five Steps to Successful Crisis Communications | Beth’s Blog: Five Steps to Successful Crisis Communications – Guest Post By Meghan Teich at Big Duck

With more than two weeks since Superstorm Sandy hit, many nonprofits are asking the same question: how do we communicate during a crisis like that?

Nearly $220M in charitable donations for Sandy relief raised thus far - NorthJersey.com

Nearly $220M in charitable donations for Sandy relief raised thus far - NorthJersey.com: Donors have given nearly $220 million to charities for superstorm Sandy relief and recovery efforts.

Non-profit officials say that's the largest outpouring of donations for any domestic disaster in the past five years. But it's only about one-third of what was raised in the first two weeks after Hurricane Katrina pounded the Gulf Coast in 2005 and about half the donations made in the same amount of time following the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Buddhist Disaster Relief Agency Gives $10 Million For Sandy Victims � CBS New York

Buddhist Disaster Relief Agency Gives $10 Million For Sandy Victims � CBS New York: NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — The Buddhist disaster relief agency the Tzu Chi Foundation will be giving $10 million to help victims of Superstorm Sandy, city officials announced Sunday.

Sandy may be to blame for lagging holiday donations at Mercer County charities | NJ.com

Sandy may be to blame for lagging holiday donations at Mercer County charities | NJ.com: While Hurricane Sandy has prompted an outpouring of kindness, it has left some local charities reeling from dwindling contributions and holiday event ticket sales.

With Recovers.org, Two Sisters Revolutionize Disaster Relief

With Recovers.org, Two Sisters Revolutionize Disaster Relief: We realized a community like ours was ill-equipped to manage recovery," O'Neill said. "So we thought: Let's build that platform."

What she and her sister launched was Recovers.org, a barely 6-month-old crowd-sourcing disaster relief website that has suddenly found its work cut out for it in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The site works by linking volunteers with where they're needed in specific communities, offering up-to-the-minute social media updates on relief programs, and databasing even the most random donation items so they're easier to disperse exactly where they're needed.

How Does Hurricane Sandy Fundraising Compare to Other Disasters? | npENGAGE

How does fundraising in support of Hurricane Sandy compare to other disasters? That’s a question that people have been asking a lot this week and I wanted to try to give an answer.
On the surface, disaster fundraising for Hurricane Sandy appears to be lagging other major events like the Haitian Earthquake in 2010 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. That might make for provocative headlines, but there is a lot more going on here than initial appearances.
How Does Hurricane Sandy Fundraising Compare to Other Disasters? | npENGAGE

Insight: Red Cross response to Sandy fails to meet expectations | Reuters

Insight: Red Cross response to Sandy fails to meet expectations | Reuters: In interviews with public officials and Red Cross staff, as well as first responders from other aid organizations, it has become clear the Red Cross was hampered by the sheer magnitude of the disaster, by its decision to position supplies and staff well outside the areas likely to be hardest hit by the storm, and by misperceptions about what kinds of relief it would provide in New York City.

The sense of letdown is all the more stark because the Red Cross, the fifth-largest charity in the United States by private donations, is viewed by many as the place to donate money when there is a major disaster at home or abroad. It has raised nearly $120 million since Sandy - spending about $40 million of that so far.

New Tech City: The Future of Disaster Relief: Food, Water, Shelter…and Wi-Fi Blimps? - WNYC

New Tech City: The Future of Disaster Relief: Food, Water, Shelter…and Wi-Fi Blimps? - WNYC: Using technology to get communities back on their feet faster after a crisis might include floating blimps with wi-fi over a disaster-hit city or creating a National Guard of tech geeks to take action when the digital infrastructure goes down or maybe even stockpiling electronics and generators for tech reserves, similar to oil reserves.

Sandy Deals Blow to N.Y. Maritime Museum's Recovery - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Sandy Deals Blow to N.Y. Maritime Museum's Recovery - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Sandy Deals Blow to N.Y. Maritime Museum’s Recovery

November 13, 2012, 10:28 am

Just as it is beginning to emerge from years of financial struggles, New York’s South Street Seaport Museum has been dealt what its president called “a body blow” by Superstorm Sandy and is desperately seeking donors, says The New York Times. Floodwater surging up to six feet destroyed the building’s electrical and computer systems, cafe, admissions desk, and gift shop.

Relief, rehabilitation work underway in quake-hit regions in Myanmar - Globaltimes.cn

Relief, rehabilitation work underway in quake-hit regions in Myanmar - Globaltimes.cn: Relief and rehabilitation work in quake-hit northern regions in Myanmar have been underway as Vice President Sa Mauk Kham rushed to the scene several hours after a strong earthquake of 6.8 magnitude Mandalay and Sagaing regions Sunday morning.

Update: Charities Raise More Than $174-Million for Sandy Victims - Recovering From Sandy - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Update: Charities Raise More Than $174-Million for Sandy Victims - Recovering From Sandy - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: As of Friday, charities have reported raising more than $174-million for relief and recovery efforts in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, which devastated the New York and New Jersey region on October 30.

That’s more than the $136-million that U.S. charities had raised within 10 days of last year’s Japan tsunami and earthquake. But it’s dwarfed by the outpouring that followed the 2010 Haiti earthquake ($380-million 10 days after the event) and 2005′s Hurricane Katrina ($740-million nine days after the storm).

Still reeling from Superstorm Sandy, Staten Island now dealing with disaster tourists - NY Daily News

Still reeling from Superstorm Sandy, Staten Island now dealing with disaster tourists - NY Daily News: Still reeling from Superstorm Sandy, Staten Island now dealing with disaster tourists
Gawkers are flocking to Staten Island to see the damage caused by the hurricane. 'It's a little annoying,' said one resident, though he admitted, 'I would do it, too.'

Red Cross pushes back on Sandy response, calls it 'near flawless' - U.S. News

Red Cross pushes back on Sandy response, calls it 'near flawless' - U.S. News: The American Red Cross, which bills itself as “the world's largest humanitarian network,” is pushing back against critics of its response to superstorm Sandy, with the head of the organization saying its relief effort has been “near flawless” despite criticism from stranded storm victims and elected officials.

Corporate Donations Help Red Cross Respond after Superstorm Sandy - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee

Corporate Donations Help Red Cross Respond after Superstorm Sandy - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee: Throughout the year, corporate members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) allow the Red Cross to prepare for and respond to the needs of people affected by disaster across the United States, regardless of cost. Before Sandy made landfall, ADGP funds were helping the Red Cross open shelters, pre-position supplies and move disaster workers. Beyond their annual commitment, many of these members have made further financial gifts to the Red Cross in support of the ongoing Sandy relief operation.

6 Innovative Fundraising Campaigns for Sandy Relief

6 Innovative Fundraising Campaigns for Sandy Relief: Since Hurricane Sandy affected such specific areas, it hasn’t been possible for everyone to go out and volunteer on the ground. Established organizations, groups and individuals have been doing what they can from their own homes or neighborhoods, using technology and online services such as Indiegogo, Amazon and Facebook to raise money and offer help to those who need it.

Here’s a roundup of inspiring and innovative ways people have supported Sandy relief causes with the Internet and technology.

Sandy relief groups fight ‘disaster after the disaster’: Donations of unneeded, unwanted items - The Washington Post

Sandy relief groups fight ‘disaster after the disaster’: Donations of unneeded, unwanted items - The Washington Post: MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. — Superstorm Sandy has brought out generosity far and wide in the biggest U.S. relief effort for the American Red Cross and other groups since Hurricane Katrina swamped the Gulf Coast in 2005.

And while the response is heartwarming, some of that is also helping create a “second disaster after the disaster,” in the words of one expert.

Sandy Likely Biggest U.S. Relief Effort Since 2005 « CBS Baltimore

Sandy Likely Biggest U.S. Relief Effort Since 2005 « CBS Baltimore

Expedited Exemptions For Sandy-Related Charities - TheNonProfitTimes

Expedited Exemptions For Sandy-Related Charities - TheNonProfitTimes: The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced an expedited review and approval process for organizations seeking tax-exempt status to provide relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy, though the IRS still encourages people to use existing organizations currently working on immediate aid efforts.

Wild Apricot Blog : Disaster Fundraising, Dressing Up That Dog, Serious Questions and More

Wild Apricot Blog : Disaster Fundraising, Dressing Up That Dog, Serious Questions and More: It’s been a wild ride lately - with a Hurricane and a Presidential election! So if you’re just catching up on your non-profit or membership reading, here are 5 of the posts we’ve bookmarked on Apricot Jam this week to get you started.

#Sandy & Social: A Case Study

#Sandy & Social: A Case Study

As Sandy Became #Sandy, Emergency Services Got Social | Fast Company

As Sandy Became #Sandy, Emergency Services Got Social | Fast Company: As New Yorkers took to Twitter to voice concerns, request aid, and offer real-time help, organizations were--more than ever before--there and ready to respond on their native platforms. Here's how the Red Cross, the City of New York, and Occupy Wall Street ratcheted up their Hurricane Sandy relief via the social web.

Foundation agrees to audit of Murrah Disaster Relief Fund | Tulsa World

Foundation agrees to audit of Murrah Disaster Relief Fund | Tulsa World: OKLAHOMA CITY - The foundation administering a fund set up to aid those affected by the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on Thursday agreed to an independent audit following criticism over its handling of the fund.


The Murrah Disaster Relief Fund was created in 1995 as a result of an outpouring of financial support from across the country.

UPDATE: Red Cross Relief Effort Ramps Back up in New York in Wake of Nor’easter � American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom

UPDATE: Red Cross Relief Effort Ramps Back up in New York in Wake of Nor’easter � American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom: Now that the nor’easter has passed, the American Red Cross is ramping back up and expanding its large relief operations to provide shelter, hot meals, relief supplies and comfort to people in New Jersey and New York.

Here is a snapshot of local relief efforts:

Beyond Competition, Running for a Cause - NYTimes.com

Beyond Competition, Running for a Cause - NYTimes.com: Last year, according to the New York Road Runners, organizers of the New York City Marathon, more than $34 million was raised for charity. Moreover, fund-raising experts expect that the vast majority of runners in this year’s race will still honor their commitments.

“I’m sure they’re disappointed, and there might be some who are annoyed,” said Michael Nilsen, spokesman for the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Arlington, Va. “But based on what we’ve seen in other situations where a charity event has been canceled because of weather or some other once-in-a-lifetime type circumstance, people generally don’t take it out on the charity.”

Mr. Nilsen said he would not be surprised to see “two-thirds, maybe more” of the charity marathoners meet their commitment to deliver the money they raised.

Recovers.org, a Marketplace for Disaster Relief - Businessweek

Recovers.org, a Marketplace for Disaster Relief - Businessweek: O’Neill’s startup, Recovers.org, has set up websites in four New York City boroughs to manage relief efforts and prevent the logistical chaos that often follows catastrophes when well-meaning volunteers overwhelm government officials and relief organizations. Before Sandy, the company, less than a year old, had tested the site in only a handful of communities, including Forney, Tex., and West Pasco County, Fla. Coordinating an operation in the aftermath of a major natural disaster is like “inventing the wheel as the vehicle is in motion,” says Rebecca Williams, who organized aid for tornado survivors in Joplin, Mo., in 2011.

NY1 For You: Not All Charities Are Created Equal - NY1.com

NY1 For You: Not All Charities Are Created Equal - NY1.com: New Yorkers have rushed to the answer the call to donate to charities aiming to help their neighbors recover from Hurricane Sandy, but some organizations can't help in the way they promise. NY1's Susan Jhun filed the following report.

Whether it's food, blankets or money, New Yorkers have been anxious to help their own recover from the effects of Hurricane Sandy. But watchdog groups say those looking to give, should do so carefully.

Volunteers heart of relief | The Asbury Park Press NJ | app.com

Volunteers heart of relief | The Asbury Park Press NJ | app.com: It’s the legions of committed, organized volunteers, with the ability to shift into crisis mode and run on adrenaline for weeks at a time, who are the underpinnings of disaster relief in any area, and the post-superstorm Jersey Shore is no different.

Update: Fundraising for Sandy Victims Totals More Than $116.2-Million - Recovering From Sandy - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Update: Fundraising for Sandy Victims Totals More Than $116.2-Million - Recovering From Sandy - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Update: Fundraising for Sandy Victims Totals More Than $116.2-Million

November 8, 2012, 9:15 am

By Anais Strickland

Here are the latest totals from charities that are raising money for Superstorm Sandy relief and recovery efforts. Combined with previously reported figures, more than $116.2-million has been raised.

Radio World: FCC Grants NCE Waivers for Sandy Relief Fundraisers

Radio World: FCC Grants NCE Waivers for Sandy Relief Fundraisers: The FCC is making it easier for noncommercial stations to host on-air fundraisers for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

The commission has received and granted two waiver requests related to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. For television, the agency granted WNYE(TV) in New York City a waiver to simulcast NBCU’s telethon last Friday.

ABC raises $16.8 mln, MTV to hold fundraiser for NJ shore | Reuters

ABC raises $16.8 mln, MTV to hold fundraiser for NJ shore | Reuters: A "Day of Giving" across ABC television networks raised more than $16.8 million for victims of Hurricane Sandy, ABC said on Tuesday.

Will Sandy Destroy Fundraising? - Association Bisnow (DC)

Will Sandy Destroy Fundraising? - Association Bisnow (DC): Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington president Chuck Bean says not to worry. He’s confident Americans will only dig deeper rather than divert their giving to hurricane relief. Non-hurricane-related non-profits, which start their big fundraising push during the three to four weeks after Thanksgiving, need to continue talking about their mission and what they do with donations to make sure people give the same amount or more. The end of the election today will also allow for more opportunities to capture the public’s attention.

Job Searching

Job Searching: Here's the latest information on Hurricane Sandy unemployment benefits and disaster assistance. There's also information on clean up jobs, including federally funded state jobs and jobs with private companies.

Fundraisers Respond Faster and Smarter With Each Relief Effort - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Fundraisers Respond Faster and Smarter With Each Relief Effort - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: The more than $90-million charities have raised in the week since Superstorm Sandy hit landfall is in large part a sign that nonprofits are getting faster and savvier about how they tap the public’s impulse to give before it fades, say nonprofit experts.

NYC leverages social media to map evacuation info for Hurricane Sandy | SmartBlogs SmartBlogs

NYC leverages social media to map evacuation info for Hurricane Sandy | SmartBlogs SmartBlogs: The City of New York utilized its Open Data platform to help residents deal with the effects of Hurricane Sandy. The effort, which is part of the Digital Road Map the City launched last year, integrates geographic information systems (GIS), social media and other private and public assets to inform New Yorkers about the dangers posed by the storm. Highlights of the program include a Hurricane Evacuation Map and an accompanying Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder residents can use to see if their location is at-risk of flooding and plan an evacuation.

e-News for Tax Professionals Issue 2012-44

e-News for Tax Professionals Issue 2012-44: IRS Provides Tax Relief to Victims of Hurricane Sandy; Return Filing and Tax Payment Deadline Extended to Feb. 1, 2013

One Week On, Sandy Still Disrupts, But Volunteers Innovate | Fast Company

One Week On, Sandy Still Disrupts, But Volunteers Innovate | Fast Company: The disaster has brought out a raft of tech-based aid. Two mapping-based sites sprang up yesterday: NeedMapper connects volunteers with people in need of help; while a co-working crowd map shows office space available for anyone whose work life has been disrupted. And Facebook group SandyBaggers yesterday distributed aid to victims in Staten Island and Queens.

Harvard University Students Running NYC Marathon in Boston for Hurricane Sandy | BostInno

Harvard University Students Running NYC Marathon in Boston for Hurricane Sandy | BostInno: On Sunday, Baker and Whitmore, both Harvard University seniors, did their own 26.2-mile marathon, here in Boston, while raising money to support those in need who were impacted by the furious October storm.

They started a fundraising page on Indiegogo.com and have pledged to give all of the proceeds they collect to the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts in NYC.

NC Governor Activates Disaster Relief Fund | digtriad.com

NC Governor Activates Disaster Relief Fund | digtriad.com: RALEIGH, NC -- Gov. Bev Perdue has activated the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to help residents and businesses along the East Coast recover from Hurricane Sandy.

Red Cross trains volunteers to help out with Hurricane Sandy disaster relief | syracuse.com

Red Cross trains volunteers to help out with Hurricane Sandy disaster relief | syracuse.com: Dashnau was among nearly 30 people who took the day-long disaster relief shelter course offered Saturday at the Red Cross headquarters on Herald Place in Syracuse. After undergoing the training, the participants will be next to be deployed when and wherever they’re needed. The first group of 14 Red Cross volunteers left Wednesday, and these volunteers need to be ready to leave within 24 hours of being called.

Yahoo’s Homepage Isn’t Raising Enough Money For Hurricane Sandy Relief, Let’s All Step Up | TechCrunch

Yahoo’s Homepage Isn’t Raising Enough Money For Hurricane Sandy Relief, Let’s All Step Up | TechCrunch: Silicon Valley is slowly getting into gear, with Yahoo! doing its normal fundraising on its homepage. There’s only one problem, though: It doesn’t seem like the site is raising that much money. Now mind you, any money during this time is fantastic, but if you look back to 2005 during Hurricane Katrina, Yahoo! performed quite well for fundraising during that period.

Let’s look at Yahoo’s homepage today, which features the donation page and tracks how much money has been raised. I believe this is fantastic and it’s something every major site should add, maybe including ours:

NYC Bars Struggle After Hurricane Sandy - Forbes

NYC Bars Struggle After Hurricane Sandy - Forbes: Those of you who have made it through the past week relatively unscathed, we humbly ask of you: please, support the local businesses that you want to see make it through 2012. Pay in cash, whenever possible. Tip generously. Tell your friends to do the same. A handful of bars in Lower Manhattan are already open for business thanks to the collective energies (and ice) of numerous bars in Brooklyn and upper Manhattan. If you want to get a jump start supporting your favorite local watering holes, here’s an updated list of bars open for business (including many in the Sandy zones). Similarly, Eater has been compiling a list of restaurants open for business.

Further, many bars and restaurants will be hosting fundraising events over the coming days and weeks, which we will try to keep track of on the Classic’s Facebook page. (Tonight, for example, Booker & Dax will be taking over Momofuku Ma Peche starting at 5pm to raise money for the American Red Cross.) Eater is also continually updating a page for fundraising events nationwide.

Haley Barbour: Keep politics out of disaster relief

Haley Barbour: Keep politics out of disaster relief: Having worked as governor with administrations of both parties on several natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, I am surprised — to the point of disbelief — at the reactions from both right and left that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, has said favorable things about the Obama administration’s efforts in these early days after Hurricane Sandy.

AT&T Supports Disaster Relief in Hard-Hit States with Additional $250,000 in Hurricane Sandy Grants - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee

Press Release

AT&T Supports Disaster Relief in Hard-Hit States with Additional $250,000 in Hurricane Sandy Grants - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee: DALLAS, Nov. 2, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- The AT&T Foundation today announced $250,000 in grants to organizations providing Hurricane Sandy relief and care efforts in four hard-hit states. The grant recipients are:

The Federal Government, States, and Cities — The All of the Above Disaster Response | Brookings Institution

The Federal Government, States, and Cities — The All of the Above Disaster Response | Brookings Institution: We have hit another political low. As hundreds of families remain displaced from their homes or stranded without power, disaster recovery falls prey to the tired question of who can govern it best. The reality is that rebuilding New York, coastal New Jersey, and all the communities along the unfortunate path of Hurricane Sandy will require the close coordination of federal, state, and local governments, and private sector partners, no matter the political stripes of the leaders involved.

The question is: Has our nation’s response to major disasters improved since Hurricane Katrina, the last time a storm left such a catastrophic mark on the United States?

SBA Loans For Nonprofit Operations - TheNonProfitTimes

SBA Loans For Nonprofit Operations - TheNonProfitTimes: If your nonprofit operates in any county that has been declared a major disaster area by President Barack Obama due to Hurricane Sandy, it might be eligible for low-interest loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA)

Some Staten Island nonprofit groups postpone fundraisers | SILive.com

Some Staten Island nonprofit groups postpone fundraisers | SILive.com: STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In consideration of the continuing effort in families and communities to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, some nonprofits have postponed their fundraisers scheduled for next week.

Baptist disaster relief volunteers respond to Sandy

Baptist disaster relief volunteers respond to Sandy: Twenty volunteers from Oklahoma Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief are on their way to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.

They hit the road from Oklahoma City early Thursday morning, picking up additional volunteers as they traveled along I-44.

Katie Halper: Bette Midler Defies Hurricane, Fights Climate Change

Katie Halper: Bette Midler Defies Hurricane, Fights Climate Change: Bette Midler knows that even when it comes to Hurricane Sandy, the show must go on. And so must her annual masquerade Hulaween -- a major fundraiser for the New York Restoration Project. The nonprofit reclaims and restores New York City parks, community gardens, and open spaces throughout the five boroughs. Sandy makes the work of NYRP even more urgent.

DVIDS - News - 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit travels north to assist disaster relief operations

DVIDS - News - 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit travels north to assist disaster relief operations: NEW YORK, NY -Marines and sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) flew aboard USS Wasp, Nov. 1, 2012, to prepare to provide assistance to New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Within less than a day of receiving the order from the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marines and sailors boarded aircraft and sortied from bases in North Carolina to meet the amphibious assault ship as it sailed off the coast of New York City, preparing to provide medical, logistical, engineering, and heavy airlift support to the storm-damaged a

Storm rages over perspective of disasters in wealthy and poor nations | adelaidenow

Storm rages over perspective of disasters in wealthy and poor nations | adelaidenow: The coverage of Hurricane Sandy in Australia this week has been massive, and understandably so, as we have a close relationship with America, many of us have holidayed there, many of us have lived there.

That said, there have been some aspects of the coverage and the behaviour of some of those affected by the disaster that have shone a light on the lack of proportionality that afflicts our sense of what constitutes a problem in the First World.

#Sandy Relief and Recovery: How You Can Help [Updated] - Forbes

#Sandy Relief and Recovery: How You Can Help [Updated] - Forbes: Homes still smolder and people line up for water. Our highly-developed Northeast infrastructure has been knocked off its pilings like a beach shack along the shore. For those with power and lights and transportation and food, there are ways to help out.

NFL, union donating $1M to Hurricane Sandy relief effort - ESPN Boston

NFL, union donating $1M to Hurricane Sandy relief effort - ESPN Boston: NEW YORK -- The NFL and its players' union and the NBA and its players' union each will donate $1 million to the American Red Cross and other organizations to help in the recovery efforts in the Northeast after Hurricane Sandy.

The NFL and its network broadcasters will run TV pregame and in-game messages to promote donations during this weekend's games, beginning with Thursday night's game on NFL Network between Kansas City and San Diego.

NBC adds Hurricane Sandy fundraising special Friday, moves 'Revolution' to 9 p.m. | Tulsa World

NBC adds Hurricane Sandy fundraising special Friday, moves 'Revolution' to 9 p.m. | Tulsa World: NBC shuffling its programming for Friday again to add fundraising special featuring performances by Bruce Springsteen and Christina Aguilera.


The special, which will benefit the American Red Cross' Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, will also air on the NBCUniversal channels Bravo, USA, E!, CNBC, MSNBC, Style, Syfy and G4. It will be broadcast live from NBC's 30 Rock studios in New York and live-streamed on NBC.com. There is a possibility other channels may carry the event, according to hollywoodreporter.com.

Superstorm-Relief Donations From Companies and Individuals - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Superstorm-Relief Donations From Companies and Individuals - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: In addition to the $11-million raised as of this morning by the American Red Cross for storm relief, the following charities report their current fundraising totals:

Save the Children, the international aid group, has raised $1-million.
The Salvation Army has raised $700,000 in online contributions.
Catholic Charities USA has updated its tally to $29,000 from $18,000 yesterday.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief has raised $24,000 in online gifts and text-to-give efforts since Friday.
Church World Service has received $1,000 through online giving.

American Red Cross Ongoing Relief Effort for Sandy Update

American Red Cross Ongoing Relief Effort for Sandy Update: In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, thousands of people from more than a dozen states have turned to the American Red Cross for help and trained disaster workers are responding with food, shelter and comfort.

“This response to Sandy is just getting started. The storm has left devastation in its wake and we will be helping people for weeks to come,” said Gary Striar, CEO American Red Cross Northeastern New York Region (ARCNENY). “This will be very costly and the Red Cross needs help now. We ask everyone to support us as we help people recover from this massive storm.”

Canadian Red Cross raising funds to support Hurricane Sandy response | ReliefWeb

Canadian Red Cross raising funds to support Hurricane Sandy response | ReliefWeb: (OTTAWA, October 31, 2012) – The Canadian Red Cross is asking for donations to support relief operations for communities impacted by Hurricane Sandy across the Caribbean and in the United States. Currently, the Red Cross is providing food, water, safe shelter, and community services in seven countries impacted by the storm.

"The needs in affected communities are great, and recovery will be a long-term process," said Conrad Sauv�, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "Local volunteers have been responding around the clock to meet urgent life-saving needs of disaster affected communities. The Canadian Red Cross is proud to support their efforts."

Global Advice on How to Cope, Recover and Rebuild - NYTimes.com

Global Advice on How to Cope, Recover and Rebuild - NYTimes.com: As damaging as Hurricane Sandy has been, many places around the world have endured far more devastating, and frequent, disasters. The earthquake in Haiti in 2010 caused hundreds of thousands of deaths. The tsunami that hit Japan in 2011 led to power and transportation problems far more catastrophic than those in the northeastern United States. Typhoons batter Asian countries much poorer than the United States with regular ferocity.

The International Herald Tribune asked its Facebook community and the New York Times asked its Facebook followers from those who have lived through disaster their advice for New Yorkers and others dealing with the wreckage of Sandy, now and tomorrow.

Toyota Donates $1 Million to Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee

PRESS RELEASE


Toyota Donates $1 Million to Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee: NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota today announced a $1 million contribution to the American Red Cross and other nonprofit organizations to support relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Sandy in the regions worst-hit by the storm. In addition, Toyota will match employee contributions to the American Red Cross and other non-profits doing relief and recovery work in affected communities.

AFP Disaster Relief and Fundraising Efforts Page (Updated November 1, 2012) - AFP

AFP Disaster Relief and Fundraising Efforts Page (Updated November 1, 2012) - AFP: Hurricane Sandy is a massive, late-season tropical cyclone that has affected Jamaica, Cuba, the Bahamas, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the southeastern and eastern United States. Sandy developed from an elongated tropical wave in the western Caribbean Sea on October 22. It became a tropical depression, quickly strengthened, and was upgraded to a tropical storm six hours later. Sandy moved slowly northward toward the Greater Antilles and gradually strengthened. On October 24, Sandy was upgraded to a hurricane, shortly before making landfall in Jamaica. Sandy re-entered water and made its second landfall in Cuba during the early morning of October 25 as a Category 2 hurricane.

PHILANTHROPY 2173: (More) Tech and #Sandy (part 5)

PHILANTHROPY 2173: (More) Tech and #Sandy (part 5): More) Tech and #Sandy (part 5)

Still more examples of technology communities' contributions to, and use of social media by, hurricane #Sandy relief efforts. Earlier posts from yesterday and this morning.

MediaShift Idea Lab . The Most Innovative Digital Coverage of Superstorm #Sandy | PBS

MediaShift Idea Lab . The Most Innovative Digital Coverage of Superstorm #Sandy | PBS: First up: natural disaster reporting thanks to Superstorm Sandy.

Disasters bring out many of the most predictable cliches of traditional media (reporters standing in the middle of a storm surge, photos of empty store shelves, and worse), but they also lead to some of the best and most impactful work by journalists, computer programmers, and online services. Sandy broke all the records as one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast, and I think history will also show it to be groundbreaking in the way it was covered online.

Social Life Comes to Halt as Library, WNYC Cancel Galas - Businessweek

Social Life Comes to Halt as Library, WNYC Cancel Galas - Businessweek: Arriving in one of the busiest weeks of New York’s social season, Hurricane Sandy forced dozens of nonprofits to cancel their fundraisers. Vendors and nonprofits will have to work out the financials of the situation and determine their next steps.

Hurricane Sandy Recovery

Hurricane Sandy Recovery: Hurricane Sandy Recovery

Hurricane Sandy cut a swath of destruction through the Caribbean and along the U.S. East Coast. The following organizations are involved in the recovery efforts. Some are assisting the people whose lives have been disrupted, others the animals who were in the storm's way.

Red Cross Raises $11-Million in Sandy Relief Efforts - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Red Cross Raises $11-Million in Sandy Relief Efforts - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Red Cross Raises $11-Million in Sandy Relief Efforts

October 31, 2012, 3:39 pm

By Raymund Flandez

The American Red Cross announced that it has received more than $11-million in donations for its efforts to help the millions of families displaced by Superstorm Sandy.

AT&T and T-Mobile strike roaming pact to improve service after Sandy — Mobile Technology News

AT&T and T-Mobile strike roaming pact to improve service after Sandy — Mobile Technology News: AT&T and T-Mobile are opening up their networks to each other’s customers in New York and New Jersey in an effort to improve coverage and performance in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Under the roaming deal, users will make calls and use data on whichever network is stronger in their area

Rush is on to rescue animals stranded in Sandy's wake - Animal Tracks

Rush is on to rescue animals stranded in Sandy's wake - Animal Tracks: Will dogs, cats and other animals fare as badly in Sandy’s wake as they did during Hurricane Katrina, which left an estimated 250,000 pets stranded and struggling to survive?

Animal rescuers say it’s still too early to tell — although they’re hopeful that animals in states most affected by Sandy’s wrath will stand a better chance than they did during Katrina’s onslaught in 2005. Their hopefulness is based on the prevalence of pet-friendly shelters in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

The Other Hurricane Sandy: The Storm's Impact in Haiti - Armin Rosen - The Atlantic

The Other Hurricane Sandy: The Storm's Impact in Haiti - Armin Rosen - The Atlantic: Hurricane Sandy was already a prolific killer by the time it ravaged the Jersey Shore, flooded New York's subway system, and turned Queens's scenic Breezy Point neighborhood into an ashen crater.

Before making landfall in the United States, Sandy swept through the central Caribbean, directly hitting Jamaica and Cuba, and dropping more than 20 inches of rain on a country already well acquainted with the blunt force of nature: Haiti. The storm killed 52 Haitians, flooded much of the country's south, and displaced over 18,000 families. Up to 400,000 Haitians are still living in camps for those left homeless by the country's devastating 2010 earthquake. A subsequent cholera outbreak -- which most likely originated with U.N. peacekeepers stationed in the country -- killed up to 7,500 people. And while Haiti's 2011 presidential election might have demonstrated that the country's democratic development wouldn't be delayed on account of the earthquake, it was still a contentious affair that culminated in the elevation of Michele Martelly, a former pop singer with no prior political experience. There is never a "good" time for a killer storm to strike, but Sandy slammed into a highly vulnerable country th

Three Weeks at American Red Cross � Talisman Thinking Out Loud

Three Weeks at American Red Cross � Talisman Thinking Out Loud: hope you are reading this from the safety of your home and community. As I entered my third week of work at the Red Cross National Headquarters, Hurricane Sandy got everyone’s attention. I am so fortunate to be safe as the storm hit the DC metropolitan area.

Charities Scramble to Raise Money After Sandy Hits - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Charities Scramble to Raise Money After Sandy Hits - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Nonprofit organizations are starting to mobilize donations to help victims of Hurricane Sandy, but so far the sums appear to be small.

That’s in part because the two big groups involved in disaster fundraising, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, declined to release a tally of how much they have collected so far.

Charitable Giving - Do's and Don'ts of Helping During a Disaster

Charitable Giving - Do's and Don'ts of Helping During a Disaster: Whether it is an earthquake or tsunami halfway around the world or a tornado and flood in our own country, we often are called upon to help in a crisis.

But in many cases, we do just the things that don't help at all, but rather make the emergency even harder on those people and organizations on working at the scene.

Hurricane Sandy | Center for Disaster Philanthropy

Hurricane Sandy | Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Hurricane Sandy

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is actively monitoring Hurricane Sandy along its destructive path. The Atlantic’s 10th named storm of the 2012 season already has caused dozens of deaths in the Caribbean island nations and the United States, in addition to untold damage from winds, rain, and snow.

Philanthrop Sector on the Mend when Sandy Hit - Penta - Barrons.com

Philanthrop Sector on the Mend when Sandy Hit - Penta - Barrons.com: Sandy’s aftermath will certainly challenge the resources of the public and non-profit sectors, but, for what’s it’s worth, the philanthropic industry was well on the mend before the hurricane hit, despite the nation’s continued economic weakness. That at least is the underlying message of the latest relevant study.

The 2012 Bank of America Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy, in partnership with the Center Philanthropy, questioned 700 rich folk with liquid assets of $1 million or more. The results released in this biennial study this week reflect philanthropic behavior among the wealthy in 2011.

Hurricane Roundup: Assessing Sandy’s Impact on Meetings | Risk Management content from Meetings Net

Hurricane Roundup: Assessing Sandy’s Impact on Meetings | Risk Management content from Meetings Net: Here’s a roundup of some of the meetings and conventions being canceled and postponed up and down the East Coast on Monday:

• Due to the weather and major power outages predicted, ASAE is canceling the ASAE 2012 In Honor of Women program scheduled for Wednesday, October 31st, says John Graham, president at CEO of ASAE. Attendees who registered for the event will receive a refund within the next 30 days. “

Will Republicans Oppose Disaster Relief Funds After Hurricane Sandy? - The Daily Beast

Will Republicans Oppose Disaster Relief Funds After Hurricane Sandy? - The Daily Beast: FEMA has money now, but if the hardest-hit states need more funds after their damage assessments, will congressional Republicans fight against disaster relief, as they did in the wake of Hurricane Irene? Eleanor Clift reports.

A Week Until Election Day, Campaigns Focus on Disaster Relief | PBS NewsHour | Oct. 30, 2012 | PBS

A Week Until Election Day, Campaigns Focus on Disaster Relief | PBS NewsHour | Oct. 30, 2012 | PBS: GWEN IFILL: Now we turn to the presidential campaign, which has taken a bit of a pause in Sandy's aftermath.

With the election only a week away, the devastating East Coast storm forced both candidates off the stump again today. Each focused, instead, on disaster relief, with Mitt Romney in Ohio collecting canned foods and bottled water, and the president making a quick afternoon visit to Red Cross headquarters in Washington.

Hurricane Sandy: HSUS Assesses Animal Needs, Ready for Sustained Disaster Relief : The Humane Society of the United States

Hurricane Sandy: HSUS Assesses Animal Needs, Ready for Sustained Disaster Relief : The Humane Society of the United States: Disaster aid to states, pet owners

In response to Hurricane Sandy, The HSUS's state directors from Maine to North Carolina have been offering animal assistance to shelters and government officials in the hardest-hit areas. Our Animal Rescue Team is ready to deploy when local agencies or animal welfare groups call us in.

Paying it forward: Vermonters heading to New York for Sandy disaster relief | Burlington Free Press | burlingtonfreepress.com

Paying it forward: Vermonters heading to New York for Sandy disaster relief | Burlington Free Press | burlingtonfreepress.com: When Tropical Storm Irene swamped much of Vermont a year ago, New Yorkers rallied to help their neighbors in the Green Mountains.

Hurricane Sandy has turned that tide.

From moral support to the necessities of life, Vermonters are returning the favor.

Thousands look to Red Cross for disaster relief - The Pike County News Watchman: Community

Thousands look to Red Cross for disaster relief - The Pike County News Watchman: Community: The Red Cross has deployed more than 1,300 disaster workers to the region from all over the country to help those affected by the storm. As many as 160 emergency vehicles are ready to respond when it is safe to do so, and more than 230,000 ready-to-eat meals have been sent into the area.

State and Federal Disaster Relief: Expect the Best But Prepare for the Worst? | Brookings Institution

State and Federal Disaster Relief: Expect the Best But Prepare for the Worst? | Brookings Institution: As Hurricane Sandy bears down on the East Coast, it seems like an opportune time to revisit federal disaster relief. Even in an election year, this may be one of those rare topics where most Americans can agree. There is a strong argument for the federal government serving as a backstop against risk, and pitching in when natural and human induced catastrophes outstrip local capacities to respond.

After Sandy, a Different Kind of “Storm Chaser” - NPQ – Nonprofit Quarterly - Promoting an active and engaged democracy.

After Sandy, a Different Kind of “Storm Chaser” - NPQ – Nonprofit Quarterly - Promoting an active and engaged democracy.: As NPQ has noted in the wake of past natural disasters, there are, sadly, those human beings who see difficult circumstances not as an opportunity to help their neighbor, as most of us do, but as an opportunity to take advantage of those in the midst of trying circumstances. With this unscrupulous cohort of humanity in mind, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning donors not to fall prey to these fraudulent “storm chasers.” According to the BBB, “some of the most common ‘after-disaster’ scams involve auto, home and yard repairs or clean-up,” but following a few guidelines can help protect your repair dollars from scammers: stay calm, shop around for at least three estimates for any work that needs to be done, get everything in writing, be proactive rather than reactive, don’t pay in advance or with cash, and remember the old saying that “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

B.C. government and Red Cross team up for better disaster response | Canadian Underwriter

B.C. government and Red Cross team up for better disaster response | Canadian Underwriter: The British Columbia government has formally teamed up with the Canadian Red Cross for better and faster emergency response in times of a major or catastrophic disaster.

Emergency Management B.C., the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Development and the Canadian Red Cross will work on joint planning and training in case of a major disaster, such as an earthquake.

Social Media and Disaster: Hospitals On Facebook | KiKi L'Italien's Acronym Soup

Social Media and Disaster: Hospitals On Facebook | KiKi L'Italien's Acronym Soup

Y�le Haiti Closes Amid Investigations | PND | Foundation Center

Y�le Haiti Closes Amid Investigations | PND | Foundation Center: osted on October 15, 2012 print

Y�le Haiti Closes Amid Investigations

Two months after the remaining employee of Y�le Haiti, the charity established by Haitian-American hip hop artist Wyclef Jean, resigned, questions remain about the $16 million the charity collected to benefit the people of earthquake-battered Haiti, the New York Times reports.

On the heels of Jean's refusal to accept a settlement proposed by the New York attorney general's office regarding alleged "financial improprieties," Y�le Haiti CEO Derek Q. Johnson resigned in August. Other investigations into the charity's finances and activities, many of which have been abandoned, continue.

FEMA Needs a New Approach to Disaster Relief - Economic Intelligence (usnews.com)

FEMA Needs a New Approach to Disaster Relief - Economic Intelligence (usnews.com): In contrast to this informal, unstructured, goal-oriented approach, FEMA arrived with a more formal structure and approach. Many FEMA workers had extensive knowledge and experience, but seemed limited in what they were allowed to do. In the middle of cleaning out a basement, a FEMA worker would suddenly appear with a request that people stop and fill out forms. One crusty old Vietnam vet explained to a FEMA worker, "You've never been in a war zone. This is a battlefield and your paperwork will not be helpful at this time." Ultimately, the town's volunteer zoning administrator stepped in, filled out all the forms and then went house to house making sure she had done the forms correctly, so the homeowners c

Santa Rosa man leads animal-rescue efforts during disasters | PressDemocrat.com

Santa Rosa man leads animal-rescue efforts during disasters | PressDemocrat.com: The suffering Dick Green has sometimes seen would scare many folks away from the animal rescue world.

For the thousands of animals he's helped save, many others have been beyond rescue.

But after attending to animals during dozens of catastrophes over the past decade, the Santa Rosa man says he's “gotten very good at … seeing the bigger picture.”

FEMA Invests $100 Million in Post-Tsunami Disaster Relief, Emergency Preparedness Improvements for American Samoa | FEMA.gov

FEMA Invests $100 Million in Post-Tsunami Disaster Relief, Emergency Preparedness Improvements for American Samoa | FEMA.gov: FEMA Invests $100 Million in Post-Tsunami Disaster Relief, Emergency Preparedness Improvements for American Samoa
Main Content
Release date:
September 27, 2012

New Orleans Community Shoulders Chief Burden of Isaac Recovery - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

New Orleans Community Shoulders Chief Burden of Isaac Recovery - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: New Orleans Community Shoulders Chief Burden of Isaac Recovery

September 18, 2012, 9:57 am

Lacking the national outpouring of support that accompanied Hurricane Katrina seven years ago, recovery work in New Orleans following last month’s Hurricane Isaac will fall far more heavily on local volunteers and donors, according to The Times-Picayune.

Internal Revenue Service Webinar Registration Page

Internal Revenue Service Webinar Registration Page: IRS Presenters:

Steven Grodnitzky, Tax Attorney, Manager, IRS Exempt Organizations Office

Emily Mangrum, Tax Law Specialist, IRS Exempt Organizations Office
When disasters strike new charities spring up to help the victims, and existing charities want to expand their activities to provide disaster relief. But often, these organizations don’t understand the complexities of starting and operating an organization to provide disaster relief.

Philippines Goes Hi-Tech For Disaster Response Plan - Southeast Asia Real Time - WSJ

Philippines Goes Hi-Tech For Disaster Response Plan - Southeast Asia Real Time - WSJ: The Philippines is no stranger to disasters. Floods, earthquakes, volcanoes and typhoons frequently ravage the archipelago, making it one of the most disaster-prone countries in the work.

But now a new plan aptly dubbed Project NOAH – National Operational Assessment of Hazards – intends to give Filipinos a better chance of overcoming these calamities by providing real-time access to weather information and updating maps, some of which date back to the 1960s.

Answering the Call of Isaac

Answering the Call of Isaac: Parishes in Louisiana were hit hard again by a gulf hurricane, this one Isaac. New Orleans did not see the impact it has in previous storms such as Katrina, Gustav and Ike. But the tribal communities in southeastern Louisiana were severely impacted as the storm hovered over them for 48 hours. Isaac left some homes under as much as 12 feet of water.

Sequestration in Disaster Relief

Sequestration in Disaster Relief: The upcoming 2013 budgetary fiscal cliff has prompted some in Congress to consider sequestration in disaster relief in order to save money. Sequestration is simply defined as automatic spending cuts.

Baptist Press - 83,500 meals cooked by disaster relief volunteers post-Isaac - News with a Christian Perspective

Baptist Press - 83,500 meals cooked by disaster relief volunteers post-Isaac - News with a Christian Perspective: Southern Baptist Disaster Relief feeding operations are now in high gear in nine Louisiana and Mississippi venues, with 83,500 hot meals prepared and delivered to Hurricane Isaac victims in the two hard-hit Gulf Coast states by noon Sept. 4.

Disaster Relief Of A Different Kind - West Virginia Headline News and Talk Radio

Disaster Relief Of A Different Kind - West Virginia Headline News and Talk Radio: Seventeen West Virginia Office of Technology employees are working long hours in Louisiana lending an IT helping hand following what Hurricane Isaac left behind.

The workers volunteered for the service and state Chief Technology Officer Gale Given says they've been busy since they arrived.

"They are helping intake centers distribute food stamp cards," she said. "They may be pulled away to do other things but that's what they are doing right now."

Baptist Press - Southern Baptist relief spurs 'thank you' from Napolitano - News with a Christian Perspective

Baptist Press - Southern Baptist relief spurs 'thank you' from Napolitano - News with a Christian Perspective: Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano called to thank Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers who have diligently served since Hurricane Isaac hit the southeast Louisiana coast 10 days ago.

Napolitano Thursday (Sept. 6) personally expressed gratitude to North American Mission Board President Kevin Ezell.