The volunteer effort is wonderful. Occupy has really stepped up. But why does it seem like the city is relying on relatively untrained citizens to take on the brunt of the outreach in the hardest hit areas? Where are the paid professionals in Haz-Mat suits? We can't expect volunteers to endangers themselves by working in demolition and mold abatement without proper training and equipment!

Some websites for those looking to volunteer/donate to those affected by Sandy:

Occupy Sandy in NJ: Occupysandynj.org

http://nechama.org/index.php/hurricane-sandy

https://statenisland.recovers.org

www.cityharvest.org/hurricanesandy
"To volunteer please contact Volunteer Services at 646-412-0738 or volunteerservices@cityharvest.org."

...And a project that grew out of the NYC Marathon runners who volunteered on what would have been the day of the race (though you don't have to be a runner to join in):
https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkRunnersInSupportOfStatenIsland

The Vice-President of the New York Lactation Consultant Association, Sara Newman, has been working with Occupy Sandy to provide support for infant feeding for displaced women. People forget that lack of heat, water, electricity and/or privacy can make infant feeding far more challenging. Any lactation consultants that are you interested in volunteering their services, may email:
sara@DisforDoula.com

Best regards,
Susan E. Burger, MHS, PhD, IBCLC
Secretary-Treasurer, NYLCA

Volunteer opportunities can be found through Occupy Sandy at interoccupy.net/occupysandy/. They need volunteers for the following tasks:
1. Canvassers going door to door to assess the needs of residents and help them get the supplies they need
2. People to bring the supplies (i.e. hot meals, diapers, baby wipes, etc) to the residents.
3. Drivers to bring supplies from distribution centers in Brooklyn to distribution centers in affected areas.
4. Volunteers to for cleanup duties (shoveling, clearing debris, sweeping/mopping)

What about blankets? Is it possible or worthwhile to give blankets?

Thanks WNYC! You're hurricane programming has been amazing. Gold star for your tireless efforts!

Is there any need for volunteers who can only work on weekends? I can't commit for ongoing work, but would love to help when I'm not working at my job.

Are they looking for used clothes donations. I have children and adults clothes that I would like to donate.

I'm an able-bodied man and I want to help the storm victims, but it seems like all the relief organizations are asking for is money. I've volunteered at nonprofits before, and I've seen a lot of waste and inefficiency. How do I know my donation will go the the victims and not to printer paper, hand sanitizer, stamps and manila envelopes?