So I normally don't do these call-to-action things on my journals. As a mod on different forums I usually tend to close threads which are soliciting members to help them out. But given that this is a journal on my own personal page I figured I'd mention it here.

As anyone who's followed the news recently knows, the Northeast of the US recently got hit pretty hard by Hurricane Sandy, most devastating of which occurred on my beloved Jersey Shore where I live. I was without power for four days and recently got it back. What this has afforded me was being able to watch as some of my childhood memories wash away into the Atlantic Ocean thanks to the storm surge; people's homes being completely demolished, and businesses which helped employ hundreds of people along the coast no longer exist.

It's been a very trying time for me and pretty much everyone here down the shore. Many people are without basic supplies needed to get by day-to-day, and this includes things like non-perishable goods, clean socks and underwear, diapers, baby formula, water, batteries, and even things like games and activity books for children. If you feel like you want to help out please click the link to the following Forbes link which lists several shelters, firehouses, and high schools currently receiving goods that will really help out people in need.

Also, tomorrow night there's going to be a benefit concert for the relief effort broadcast on all major NBC Networks featuring Jersey-locals Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi along with Billy Joel, Sting, and others to help raise funds through the American Red Cross. If you can make a donation through them, it will also go a long way towards helping not only New Jersey recover, but also those whose lives have been thrown upside down in New York, and elsewhere up and down the East Coast.

As for me, I'll be heading out on Saturday morning to aide in the clean-up effort on the beach while trying to document as much as I can with my camera. Hopefully we can do some good.

Thanks.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2012/11/01/as-hurricane-sandy-relief-efforts-continue-heres-how-you-can-help/

-Term