Helping the Victims of Irene

The death toll from Irene now stands at 40 people in 10 states, but attention has now turned to getting aid to residents who are stranded in New England towns that are cut off from the rest of the world. The Vermont National Guard plans to airlift food and other supplies into small towns that have been cut off by washed out roads. 

At least a dozen towns in Vermont have been cut off. More than 7.7 million people throughout the country lost power during Irene and damages are estimated to run from $7 billion to $10 billion. 

There are ways you can help though. Consider a donation to Vermont Food Bank. By texting FOODNOW to 52000, your $10 donation will be turned into $60 worth of food for those in need. 

For New Yorkers who panicked and purchased too much food, you can help as well. Click here to find the closest food bank for your donation. The Washington Post offers this cheery piece about people pigging out on hurricane preparations, but The Capital Area Food Bank always needs donations. 

Basically, your community always needs food donation to help the needy. If you bought too much food for Irene, please donate it.