In the midst of the sobering details being reported about the affects of Hurricane Sandy, people all over the world are pulling together to help. If you live in an area that was not affected, be very grateful. However, if you were in the path of this devastating Super-storm, please know that America cares and help is on the way. Here’s how you can help soften the blow of Hurricane Sandy!

Donate blood – The Red Cross had to cancel about 300 blood drives because of the storm and supplies are running low. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule a donation appointment in your area. The New York Blood Center is also collecting blood donations in the New York/New Jersey area.

Give food and shelter — The Red Cross and the Salvation Army are providing emergency shelter and meals for evacuees.

Help children in need — Save the Children and World Vision are paying special attention to the needs of children affected by the storm.

Care for animals — The Humane Society of the United States and the American Humane Association have teams working to save the lives of animals caught in the storm.

Provide emergency supplies — AmeriCares, Catholic Charities USA, Direct Relief International, Feeding America and Operation Blessings International are providing food, medical supplies, emergency kits and support for people in need.

Join in the cleanup — Team Rubicon has dispatched veteran field teams to start working right away, and Samaritan’s Purse is looking for volunteers to help rebuild after the storm passes.

Help outside the U.S. — Hurricane Sandy took a deadly toll on the Caribbean before it hit the United States. Operation USA and the International Medical Corps are helping people affected by Sandy in Haiti and Cuba.

Stay informed – For more ways to help, visit Impact Your World. If you are in the Northeast and know of a need where you live, tweet@CNNImpact.

If you are planning to give to a nonprofit in the wake of any disaster, verify their legitimacy. Charity evaluators like Guidestar and Charity Navigator are good ways to check that the organization you’re donating to is established and your funds will go where you intend.

Words By: Sid Powell