How you can help me help others!

I'm going to an event tomorrow sponsored by a co-ed sports organization here in the city. They are setting up stations for people to come and donate money and materials directly to the people suffering on Staten Island, Breezy Point, Red Hook, and other neighborhoods that are destroyed.

http://www.facebook.com/events/486198398078142/

My plan: I am going to go buy a handful of the items on this list. I plan on getting some flashlights, hats, gloves, scarves, plates, utensils, blankets from my apartment, and water. I am to trek from Brooklyn tomorrow to Manhattan (which, don't worry, I will blog about with ridiculous pictures of what this is going to be like for me).

What you can do: 

1. Meet me there to donate money or supplies.

2. Send money directly to The Red Cross.

3. You can send money directly to me so I can buy supplies tomorrow. Just message me, let me know how much you want to contribute, and I will buy supplies for you. Drop and check in the mail whenever. I'll send you pictures of what I buy in your honor with your donations and drop them tomorrow at the event above. Just let me know if you want to contribute before tomorrow so I know if I have additional funds to buy items.

Here's what my friend says The Red Cross needs:

The event will be at the BLARNEY STONE on Eighth Ave and 31st St. in Manhattan. We will be UPSTAIRS.
In terms of physical goods, we specifically need:
*** blankets, jackets, gloves, hats, anything to keep folks warm
*** batteries
*** cleaning supplies
*** candles and lanterns, flashlights
*** baby supplies
* Plates, cups, forks, bowls, spoons, etc
* masks, gloves for cleaning
* socks
* water
* garbage bags
* boots
* Ensure, canned goods, non-perishable foods

A few things to remember:
-Please make sure any clothing donations are WARM clothes (coats, sweaters, gloves, etc)
-We're also really in need of things like batteries, flashlights, baby supplies, etc. Please see the full list in the description for other ideas
-Some new requests from clean up locations are "work gloves, contractor-strength garbage bags, bubble-wrap, and supplies to help with the cleanup"

-Please make sure that if you're donating any toiletries, socks, underwear, or personal items that they're NEW
-We'll be working at the event, sorting goods, but (as you can see below) keeping things organized when you drop is very much appreciated.

Check donations can be made to "The American Red Cross in Greater New York".

And lastly, PLEASE spread the word! Complete strangers are more than welcome so pass this event along!