Thursday, November 08, 2012

Hurricane Sandy Relief: 10 Hip Ways to Help in LA

HurricaneSandy
Courtesy of NY Daily News
The one good thing about natural disasters is the sense of togetherness it seems to create.  And Hurricane Sandy is no different.  With huge donations from every major corporation nationwide, telethons, music benefits and retailers donating a percentage of their profits, it's as if the holidays have come early this year.  Of course, beyond just texting "RED CROSS" to 90999 to donate $10 (still an amazingly easy way to contribute), it has left many of us West Coast-ers feeling helpless so far away. Fortunately, we are an innovative bunch.  Here's the good stuff:



1) Wolves for Blood: Live music is always the best way to start the weekend off right, especially one whose performers, new-to-the-scene's Story of the Running Wolf (thiiiink Cut Copy meets early Depeche Mode) have decided to donate 100% of their $10 suggested donation at the door to the Red Cross for Sandy relief. Show starts at 9pm at Santino's in Venice THIS FRIDAY, November 9th.  RSVP here & spread the good cheer.  It's going to be a dance party worthy of traveling west of La Brea.  Promise.
2) The Smile After the Storm:  If sweet treats (frozen yogurt, to be exact) are the way to your heart, head on out to one of many participating Menchie's locations across LA on Friday, November 16th when they will be donating 10% of all sales to the Red Cross. 
3) A Wedding Story: Forwarded to me by a friend (thankfully safe) in Brooklyn, the Occupy Sandy wedding registry via Amazon!  Organized by an offshoot group of Occupy Wall Street, prices on items range from under $5 to just over $200.  Donate anytime until November 15th.  Free shipping and the ability to follow all updates on their @SandyRegistry Twitter account, this is an amazing way to use technology (and your obsession with Amazon) to help out.  
4) Drink Wine for Sandy: For all you beach city dwellers, hospitality event mavens, LAwonders are teaming up with Barsha Wines, Spirits & Tasting Room to host a Sandy fundraiser in Manhattan Beach.  This Friday, November 9th between 6-9pm, join fellow relief-seekers for wine, food, music by Montë Mar and a chance to win cool swag from local LA businesses.  50% of proceeds will go to the American Red Cross. Businesses may contact LAwonders here or bring your own blankets, first-aid kits, etc. Friday.

HurricaneSandy
Captain America by John Paul Leon
5) Comic Relief: Trade your cash (100% donated to Hurricane Sandy relief funds) for comic book art with the Art for Sandy Relief project. Artists' work for sale should run you anywhere from $30 - $600 (bidding wars aside) and currently includes pieces by: Paolo Rivera (Spider-Man), John Paul Leon (above) and Tony Moore (The Walking Dead). View more and bid away on their Ebay auction site.  Shoot them an email if you're an artist or collector looking to donate art to the project. Oh & save the Captain America for me, will ya?
6) Coins for Charity: Coinstar has joined the ranks of corporations giving back to help our East Coast-ers.  With over 14,000 kiosks located throughout the U.S, individuals may donate whatever change they have and simply select the "donate" option on the kiosk menu.  The Red Cross will receive 100% of the value of the donation within 48 hours.  Easy as pie.
7) Fly Free: Okay, not really.  But close!  The Red Cross has partnerships with Delta, United and US Airways "that allow frequent fliers to donate miles", which is pretty awesome.  On top of that, both Jet Blue and United Air are matching customer donations to the Red Cross (up to $100,000) through each of their websites and rewarding their frequent flier contributors with free flight miles.  American Airlines is also offering points for donations.  Apparently, now's the time to fly far, far away.
8) Hockey Champs Bring Relief: Our beloved 2012 Stanley Cup champs, the LA Kings are doing their best to stay at the top of our list.  Their Kings Care Foundation will match donations dollar-for-dollar to the American Red Cross through their website by November 15th.  We WIN...again.
9) Shop for a Cause: Here it is, your excuse to get out and shop.  On top of hefty lump sum donations, stores are also offering patrons the ability to donate at the register with 100% of donations going straight to the Red Cross.  A few of these include: H&MRalph's/Food 4 Less through November 10thRoss Dress for Less through November 18th, and Macy's (who will also match customer contributions in-store & online) until November 30th, among others.  To shop/donate online, see recommendations from power style-sources: InStyle, Lucky Mag, NY Mag & Madison-To-Melrose.
10) Penniless - Want to Help: Annnnd finally.  For those of you without a penny to spare, get on down to your local Red Cross and donate some of that blood of yours.  It may not make it to NYC for this disaster, but hey, it's the thought that counts.   
HurricaneSandy
Courtesy of The Wedding Chicks

Xo,

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