How George Bailey And Frank Capra Empower Us

“Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?” ~Clarence the Angel (Henry Travers) in “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Thanksgiving is over, and the Christmas season has begun. The anticipation of the holidays can be either exciting or stressful. For some, it can be both.

Are the holidays a time of great joy for you or a reminder of great sadness? Will you be spending time with family and friends, or do you spend the holidays alone? Do you worry endlessly about the many gifts, holiday cards, food preparations, parties, and outfits you need to have ready for the season?

Anyone that knows me knows one of my favorite movies is “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It’s so “Capraesque.”

The first time I saw it was with my dad during a sleepless night. We kept the lights off in our den and turned on the television to The Late, Late Show. I remember feeling wholly absorbed as soon as the movie began. It was pure magic watching George Bailey have the chance to see how his life touched the lives of others and to see how their lives would have been different without him.

His family and friends deeply cared about his well-being and worked tirelessly to help him in his time of need. It was a perfect movie with a timeless message. It was the Utopia of my dreams.

“You've been given a great gift, George: A chance to see what the world would be like without you.” ~Clarence (Henry Travers) in “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Today, the message of “It’s a Wonderful Life” still holds. We all have blessings in our lives, even while we endure an illness, lose a loved one, get laid off from a job, or suffer the wrath of Mother Nature. I’ll repeat it – as Jon Kabat-Zinn teaches us - “There is more right with you than wrong.”

This time of year is the perfect time to count our blessings. First, consider what the world would have been like without you. For me, an “oops” baby, my parents would not have had a daughter. My son would never have been born. My cats may not have been rescued. Many people with MS wouldn’t have me as their advocate. You would not be reading An Empowered Spirit. What would the world be like without you?

Now onto my top blessings: Hug my husband, chat with my son, reminisce with my parents, joke with my brothers, take short walks, ride my new bike, perform gentle yoga, use my voice via my writing, knit scarves for orphans, play with my cats, dine with good friends, lecture on MS at nursing homes, smell my peonies, revel in the changing seasons, listen to good music, enjoy art, theater, and movies. What are your blessings? Unfortunately, everyone is not as blessed as we are. There is a lot of sadness and tragedy in the world.

While attending Hebrew School as a child, I learned from classic rabbinic literature about “tikkun olam” (world repair), “tzedakah” (charitable giving), and gemilut hasadim (acts of kindness).

These three ideas have been influential in my life. Now that I’m in my Second Chapter, I feel even stronger about giving back to less fortunate people. I think there is a social responsibility we should all assume to try to care for one another whenever possible.

Save one life, and you save the world.

This holiday season, let’s take some time to realize our blessings and give the gift of ourselves to those in need. They are our family, our friends, and our neighbors.

You may not know them, but they are a part of our community – the world community.

Let’s reach out to them, and we, like George Bailey, can collectively be the “richest man in town.”

“[In book inscription] Remember, George: No man is a failure who has friends.” ~” It’s a Wonderful Life”

Here are a few charitable organizations that have a special meaning for me. There are endless opportunities to help others by donating your time and money.

Charity Watch: Before donating any money to a charity, I research it to ensure it is reputable. At Charity Watch, “The American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) is now known as Charity Watch - a name that better reflects our role as the independent, assertive charity watchdog that you rely on.”

BlueWaveNJ Cares (Hurricane Sandy): If you want to help victims of Hurricane Sandy, check out this website. They provide information on where you can go to help and list relief organizations like The Red Cross and The Salvation Army, which collect goods for needy families.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: After losing a beloved relative this year to pancreatic cancer, this organization is near and dear to my heart. This type of cancer is insidious and has no cure. Let’s help to make strides toward stopping it in its tracks. The PCAN is: “.. fully committed to providing the most comprehensive set of programs and services to fight this complicated disease. Our mission drives our commitment and passion: to advance research, support patients, and create hope for anyone facing pancreatic cancer.”

The American Heart Association: I collect money from our neighborhood for AHA each year because it is also dear to me. They aim to “ build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. That single purpose drives all we do. The need for our work is beyond question.” Their advocacy, research, and education work is crucial to help us all maintain healthy lives.

The Humane Society: “The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest and most effective animal protection organization. We help animals by advocating for better laws to protect animals; conducting campaigns to reform industries; providing animal rescue and emergency response; investigating animal cruelty cases; and caring for animals through our sanctuaries, wildlife rehabilitation centers, emergency shelters, and clinics.” Sav-A-Pet: Please consider adopting or donating - our furry loved ones need us. “SAV-A-PET is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity organization that rescues injured-homeless animals, repairs any injuries and perform surgery if needed, spay or neuter, vaccinate and provide them with safe shelter/home at the Westheimer Animal Clinic Bellaire. Sav-A-Pet has been in operation since 1988 and has had many happy endings thanks to our community. Sav-A-Pet is not a humane shelter or city shelter; we are a private rescue group in which prospective entrants must be approved before entering them into our program if space is available.”

Save the Children: “Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and worldwide.”

Middle Mutts: I found this organization on Facebook, and they are amazing. “Middle Mutts is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit that works as the "middle man" between high kill shelters and rescue groups. We facilitate the rescue of death row animals by securing rescue commitments and offering transport to our approved rescue partners.” If you love animals, please consider donating (or adopting!) to Middle Mutts.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society: “The National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now—to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. MS stops people from moving. We exist to make sure it doesn't.”

UNICEF: Remember “Trick or treat for UNICEF”? The kids no longer collect on Halloween, but UNICEF needs our help. “UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized. We have the global authority to influence decision-makers and a variety of partners at the grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality. That makes us unique among world organizations and those working with the young.”

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An Empowering Surge, After the Storm

The following is a post by my first guest blogger, Lisa Romeo. Lisa is a writer, author, teacher, and mentor to me. I've known Lisa since grade school. A few years ago, while browsing at Barnes & Noble, I picked up a copy of Oprah Winfrey's book "The Big Book of O." The book opened to a page profiling Lisa Romeo. I was mesmerized by her ability to write about subjects we silently think to ourselves. She won my admiration with her writing skills and rekindled the need for me to begin to write once more. Thank you, Lisa, for being my first guest blogger! Enjoy, everyone. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

"A change in the weather is sufficient to recreate the world and ourselves." ~ Marcel Proust

You are empowering yourself by saying no. By saying yes. By ignoring your age. By acting your age. By realizing you've had the power all along.

I had many ideas for this guest post, including all of the above. Writing that post was on my list of things to do the last week of October. Then, Hurricane Sandy slammed my state, and the idea of power took on a different meaning.

My home and neighborhood were suddenly and utterly powerless – eight days without heat, electricity, phones, or internet. It was annoying, of course, to scurry from friends' houses to cafes to find internet connections to keep my business going, to contend with extra clothing layers and defrosting food -- but only annoying, compared to losses others were dealt.

So we didn't complain (much) and carried on. Things would be back to normal soon, we reasoned. In the meantime, there were unexpected compensations – playing double solitaire by candlelight (with wine and real cards!), fireplace huddles (hot chocolate and the teenager reading ghost stories aloud), and the deep comfort of creating heat with my husband the old-fashioned way.

"Each of us makes his weather, determines the color of the skies in the emotional universe which he inhabits." – Bishop Fulton J. Sheen.

Damage to Casino Pier (NJ) Then, power was restored -- to the grid, the poles, my house; we cheered. And yet, for me, a certain vague sadness visited and lingered.

I stood still over the next week when everyone was getting "back to normal" (the latest catchphrase around town). I didn't race to the supermarket and overfill a shopping cart, but I only picked up just enough for that day's meals each day.

I didn't track down and watch missed television episodes online but finished the novel I'd begun reading by flashlight. I did do every single bit of laundry – a girl has limits.

I'm no Pollyanna, but I have always found it interesting, rather than upsetting, to observe the rippling effects of a problematic situation, study it, and so instead of feeling powerfully back in control in the two weeks since the kitchen light flickered on again, I stood still. I tried to figure out what I had learned about power. It is this: feeling powerless, especially in mid-life, is simultaneously a motivator and a hurdle.

While power was unavailable, I always had two choices, every cold, dark, miserable day. I could do nothing while shivering in my cold, dark house. Do nothing and moan about the cost of food that perished on warm freezer shelves. Do nothing but cry about my son's damaged school, my ravaged Jersey Shore (the real one), and my husband's week without income – and show my teenage son that the way you get through a crisis is to feel sorry for yourself.

Or. I could do something. Empty the freezer, mop up the mess, buy ice, fill coolers, and toss whatever had to be used up onto the grill. (And realize I had the power to feed my family.)

I could switch on the boys' camping lantern, use the fireplace, light some candles, read my friend's novel, and edit my writing students' papers with a pencil. (Remember the simple and pure magic of holding the printed word in hand.)

I could accept the invitation of friends and relatives, work at their dining room tables, enjoy a meal together, and stay warm. (And realize not every kindness has to be immediately repaid.) I could fill the hot water bottle, put blankets over the drafty windows, wear two layers of pajamas, and sleep more tightly curled next to my husband than since we married 24 years ago. (And realize how wasteful we'd been with our heating dollars in the past.)

I could worry about when the trains would run to my son's school again or call parents I did not know and propose carpools. (And realize that, like I tell my son, most people are okay once you get past hello.)

Post-storm then, I had to ask – if I could find ways to be decisive in an inoperable power grid, what could I learn from how I reacted and acted during those eight days?

It is this: Always, we can change – the way we get things done, interact, and move through our days and world. I began to ask myself: if I can make changes when forced to, what else might I do?

What changes might I make now to move me closer to my goals, improve my household, and embrace my family?

Here's what: Our refrigerator and freezer are still 90 percent bare, on purpose. Here was an empowering opportunity to enact the sweeping change I had planned for two years but neglected to make in the way I selected and stocked food – including more organic and vegetarian choices.

So I'm taking my time, shopping in short trips that allow for label-reading, trying new stores, and taking back some of the power I had unwittingly handed over to lazy habit. I usually find that taking back some power in any area of one's life typically leads to other choices in other areas.

If I could do this, what else? During the power outage, we learned that we could sleep quite comfortably, though the thermostat read 50 degrees; the down comforter came out of storage earlier in the season, I wore pajamas instead of a sleeveless nightgown, filled an old-fashioned hot water bottle, and we rediscovered the center of our king-sized bed.

When resetting the electronic set-back thermostats (which had dipped to 63 degrees at night pre-storm), I suggested we dial them down even lower. Without distress, I knew we could swap a few more degrees to free up a few more dollars for our older son's college tuition bills.

"What it lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do." - Aristotle.

Pre-storm, I avoided working in nearby coffee shops because friends or acquaintances who might show up (or the friendly wait staff) would inevitably spark conversations, dampening my productivity.

Yet, I also struggled with the isolation of the freelancer's life. When the café was one of the few sources for connecting to the internet during the power outage, I worked there many hours a day.

There were conversations (thankfully), but I learned how to end them politely (I hope) and get work done anyway (table choice and room geography are essential).

After I could again inhabit my home office without wearing gloves, I missed the café and its connection, so now I plan my days differently. I bought a café debit card and loaded it with enough dollars to finance a month's worth of coffee (and, okay, the occasional oversized muffin).

Post-storm, I realized that if I could get work done there and feel charged up just being in a room with other people, even when working in sub-optimal conditions – it was crowded, power strips and extension cords crisscrossed the floor, the muffin delivery was unreliable!) – then think of how powered up I may feel there on a perfectly normal day. These are, assuredly, not substantial life changes, and I admit they are somewhat indulgent: more mindful grocery selection, using less heat to shrink the power bill, claiming a new spot to work – though each has the potential to empower some aspect of life that is huge and not-so-indulgent: better nutritional health, a bit less financial stress, more work-life satisfaction.

The point, though, is not that these changes in themselves are hugely empowering. The empowerment, it turns out, lies in the recognition that small changes are always possible, even later in life.

The empowerment lies in noticing that each time we are forced to ask, "Is this the very best way to do X?" is an opportunity for growth.

Empowerment comes from always accepting that we have the power to change things up. No matter what the utility company or Mother Nature has to say.

Lisa Romeo lives in northern New Jersey with her family. Her essays appear in print and online media, including the New York Times, O -The Oprah Magazine, and many literary journals, essays, and anthologies. Lisa's blog contains author interviews, tips and advice, and information about her online writing classes.

Embrace Your Age and Abilities To Empower Yourself

"Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength." ~Betty Freidan

Today I am feeling my age. It doesn't happen often. I usually feel younger than my chronological age. But today, my legs are uncooperative, and every part of my body aches.

Today I feel 53. The past few days have been rainy; I am sure my body knows it. Downing Advil and Tylenol aren't alleviating my symptoms.

My new MS specialist advised he does not believe in the condition known as Fibromyalgia, something I was diagnosed with in addition to MS. So, is it Fibro, MS, or simply being 53?

"You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old." ~George Burns

After reading Jon Kabat-Zinn's book, Mindfulness for Beginners, I inwardly recited his mantra," Until you stop breathing, there's more right with you than wrong with you." More right with you than wrong with you. I like that – simple and accurate.

"Do not regret growing old. It is a privilege denied to many." ~Anonymous

When we begin to dwell on our ailments – the ones we inevitably feel as we pass the half-century mark - we wonder if this ache or that twitch is the one that will begin our downward spiral. One reader on About.com/Senior Living said about aging: "I wonder what we would "feel" like if we didn't know how old we are. I think societal norms and expectations regarding age heavily influence us. So I try not to think about the actual number of my age."

Now that I'm past 50, I've finally realized I am in charge of my destiny. I now embrace my age by loving my actions and who I am. Life after child rearing, menopause, and (almost) college tuition can be an exciting and rewarding time.

Life after 50 comes down to this: dwell on what is wrong or treasure what is right. I can't walk long distances, so I bike instead. I can't do aerobics, so I take gentle yoga classes. It's all about embracing who you are, using your many abilities, and maintaining a positive attitude.

"When grace is joined with wrinkles, it is adorable. There is an unspeakable dawn in happy old age." ~Victor Hugo

I've always been a glass-half-full kind of girl. That philosophy has served me well. It can do the same for you.

I recently read an article by Barbara Hannah Grufferman, author and columnist for AARP, entitled "5 Infuriating Fibs About Women Over 50." (Do yourself a favor and read it!) As I read the article, I found myself nodding in agreement. The line that truly gave me an "Aha!" moment was, "Don't fight your age. Embrace it. Whatever it is." Sage advice.

If you liked this post, please share it with others! Click the REPLY button to leave a COMMENT. SUBSCRIBE by clicking on the SUBSCRIBE button. Check out past posts under "Recent Posts to Keep You Empowered." DISCLAIMER: Comments from An Empowered Spirit are brought to your attention on topics that could benefit you and should be discussed with your doctor or other medical professional. I am not medically trained, and my posts are journalistic and not instead of medical advice. An Empowered Spirit and its author will not be held liable for any damages incurred from using this blog or any data or links provided.

Jean Chatzky And How She Empowered Me

Jean Chatzky and me food shopping

"I love money. I love everything about it. I bought some pretty good stuff. I got myself a $300 pair of socks. I got a fur sink. An electric dog polisher. A gasoline-powered turtleneck sweater. And, of course, I bought some dumb stuff, too." ~Steve Martin

My husband and I were busy preparing dinner a few weeks ago. I had my laptop on the kitchen counter with Facebook open to the financial journalist and author Jean Chatzky's page. She posed the following question to her readers:

" Hi, everyone! I'm working on an episode for my new show and want to know whether someone in your life is an excellent shopper. Tell me who it is and what makes them the best shopper you know -- I would love to profile them for the show. Looking forward to hearing from you!"

Without thinking, I immediately replied:

"My husband is by far the BEST shopper I know. If I hear him come home and not hear plastic bags rustling, something is wrong. He is incredible, from buying a car, shoes, groceries, and pharmaceuticals. Coupons, Google Search, Consumer Reports, and read, read, read about all sorts of consumer products. I've learned a lot from him over the years (happily)! OH, I forgot - he also loves to food shop - how great for me, eh?"

Several days later, I got a call from Jean's producer saying that Jean was interested in my response. She was intrigued by my nomination of my husband. Separate phone interviews were scheduled for Gary and me. Unknowingly, we both mentioned our fondness for Trader Joe's and how they never sacrifice good quality by offering lower prices. We also mentioned Gary's trick for purchasing a car. My husband emails several car dealers, tells them the price we are willing to pay (after looking up the Blue Book value), and waits for them to fall over themselves to give us their best price.

Jean's producer thought our stories were cute and funny, and enjoyable. After 24 years of marriage, we'll take those compliments - with pleasure.

A few days later, we were told that Jean wanted us on her show and wanted to tape it at our home.

"If it weren't for Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of television, we'd still be eating frozen radio dinners." ~Johnny Carson

Let me explain something. On the one hand, we have Gary, who majored in Journalism. He's been on national television as a sports-law commentator, is an excellent trial attorney, and has emceed several fundraisers in front of hundreds of people. I, on the other hand, have a fear of public speaking.

After college, I worked as a copywriter for McGraw-Hill Book Company. Writing has always been my passion, and, fortunately, it's a passion that doesn't require appearing in front of large audiences. (See my post about self-acceptance).

I felt nervous and apprehensive. I wondered whether I could lose 10 pounds before taping. What was I doing? Why didn't I think this through before responding on Facebook? Then it suddenly dawned on me. I'm 53 years old. This is my Second Chapter. How many chances will I have to appear with Jean, someone I respect and admire, on national television? Here I am espousing the virtues of living a vibrant and happy life after age 50, telling people to face their fears, conquer self-acceptance and live a quality life. If I'm going to talk the talk, I also need to walk the walk.

"All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up." ~Norma Desmond in the movie Sunset Boulevard

Jean's crew and her producer arrived at our door with cameras and lights and smiled in tow. Their youthful exuberance rubbed off on us, and we became excited to begin taping the show. They rearranged our furniture, set up our microphones, and waited for Jean to arrive. When she did, she was as lovely as they were. We talked and laughed and were ready to begin. It was smooth sailing with Jean at the helm.

When our interview ended, we caravanned to a local grocery store, Corrado's Family Affair. (Trader Joe's doesn't allow filming interviews at their stores.) They filmed Gary shopping for fresh fish, fruit, and vegetables while Jean asked him a few more questions. It looked very natural and authentic.

I was proud of my husband being filmed, doing a task that used to be considered a "wifely" chore. Jean explained she'd read a study where 30% of husbands now do the grocery shopping for their family. I want to offer you what I learned from this experience:

Money matters can be fascinating. I wish elementary school curriculums included teaching students about money. Children should be taught early on how to be smart about saving and investing their money, preparing them for the risks and challenges of holding onto their money by reaching adulthood.
A good pair of jeans and a nice sweater is all a woman needs to make a good appearance. From Coco Chanel to Mary Quant to Vera Wang, women's fashions have significantly changed over the years. We can now dress as comfortably as we choose while looking and feeling great. My issue has always been that I worry too much about what to wear for any given occasion. When I recently went clothes shopping, a sales clerk at Chico's told me (for this interview) to dress, wear my best pair of jeans, a casual sweater, and simple accessories. In other words, be myself. (I have to put a plug-in for a woman I "met "on Facebook. Marla Ginsburg has a new line of beautiful clothing I think is perfect for 50+ somethings. It's the Marla Wynne Collection and can be found on HSN).
Be confident in who you are. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, experiences, and ideologies. We all have unique gifts we are given when we are born. Be confident with those gifts; they are a commodity unique to you. Jean uses her special gifts as a journalist, author, and motivational speaker. I use my gift using the written word to inspire, educate, support, and enlighten. What is your unique gift?
Be your authentic self. This is different than #3. This is being who you are, not someone you think you should be. Because in the end, it never matters what you wear, how much you weigh, or how big your house is. What matters is the person you are in your heart and soul. The real you will always shine through. You are essential, and you matter.

Do you want to know Jean's advice on being a savvy shopper? Then you'll have to tune into RLTV when Jean's show, Cash Call, airs the episode "Deals"…with The Chesters! As soon as I find out when it's airing, I'll let you know.

Click on the REPLY button to leave a COMMENT. SUBSCRIBE to my blog by clicking the SUBSCRIBE button (located on the top right-hand side of the page.) Check out past posts under "Recent Posts to Keep You Empowered." Feel free to share my blog and pass it around. Enjoy! DISCLAIMER: Comments from An Empowered Spirit are brought to your attention on topics that could benefit you and should be discussed with your doctor or other medical professional. I am not medically trained, and my posts are journalistic and not instead of medical advice. An Empowered Spirit and its author will not be held liable for any damages incurred from the use of this blog or any data or links provided

Hurricane Sandy: A List of Ways to Help Yourself and Others (Empower Yourself!)

“We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival.” ~Winston Churchill

As I write this post, I feel blessed to have escaped the wrath of Hurricane Sandy. So much damage interrupted so many lives in such a short amount of time. We were blessed because we only lost power and cell service.

We were cold, tired, and worried. We were as prepared as possible, with duct tape neatly taped across our windows and outdoor furniture carried into our garage. We braced for the worst, kept our conversation flowing for hours, and waited. We waited and waited and waited.

Our tiny battery-operated radio kept us as informed as possible on the path and devastation of the storm. We were grateful for the radio and talked about how our parents and grandparents must have sat around a radio just like we were while hanging onto every word the announcer said during a crisis.

When the winds finally died down and morning eventually came, we realized the threat of the hurricane was over. We were all fine, and our home remained intact.

Two days later, when our power was restored, we were grateful.

Unfortunately, not everyone was as blessed as we were. Many people in our town continue to have no electricity. Yet they also are fine with little to no damage to themselves or their homes.

Last night when I returned home, I turned on the television and, for the first time, saw the frightening images of the devastation around New Jersey and New York. Homes and lives were lost. People were stranded.

In the City of Hoboken, The National Guard was on the scene rescuing residents from flooded apartments. Seaside Height’s famous Ferris Wheel (that stood for 99 years) was destroyed, seemingly sinking into the ocean.

The subway system and tunnels around Manhattan were flooded, leaving the city virtually at a standstill. Entire towns were lying underwater, and residents had to run, climb and swim to safety.

There was a massive gasoline shortage; I passed one Lukoil station where at least one hundred cars were waiting to receive a rationed amount of gas.

Another angry act of Mother Nature, a year after Hurricane Irene, has come and gone, leaving behind its ugly path of destruction once again.

Its presence has reawakened in us the knowledge that weather fronts are quickly changing, and we need to become more aware of how to prepare ourselves better for this change.

We also need to realize that, more than ever, life is as fleeting as the storms that come and go. This has been another wake-up call to live each day to the fullest.

Let’s all take good care of our loved ones and ourselves. Be kind and generous to those around you whenever you can. Reach out to those in need and try to help those who cannot help themselves.

As someone with Multiple Sclerosis, I know what it’s like to live with a disability. Like the hurricane that crossed our path, MS can come unexpectedly, at rapid speed, and leave its devastation behind in our bodies at any moment. Its wrath affects us in myriad ways and knows no bounds.

As someone over 50, it is even more critical always to be prepared, as best as I can, to deal with the ravages MS can bring and the inevitable stress our bodies endure when preparing for another natural disaster.

I’ve learned that knowledge IS power. Reliable information is crucial. EMPOWERing ourselves is paramount. .

Recently I learned about a beautiful website that offers quality information about MS. I’d like to share it with you. It is Healthline (Connect to Better Health) and offers ways to learn about the basics of MS, finding medical treatments from traditional to alternative, and provides tools to track and manage your MS. They have an active Facebook page to help you stay connected and up-to-date with a large community of other Facebook fans. Check it out!

I hope all of you affected by Hurricane Sandy are safe and warm. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.

ORGANIZATIONS TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO THOSE AFFECTED BY SANDY:

•The Red Cross - All donations will provide shelter, food, emotional support, and other assistance to those affected by the storm. •The New York Blood Center is urging people to donate blood for those in the New York/New Jersey area. To donate, call 800-933-2566 or visit The NY Blood Center.

•The Salvation Army - The Salvation Army has dozens of mobile feeding units and shelters along the East Coast, working to serve thousands in the most heavily hit areas.

•Feeding America has thousands of pounds of emergency food, water, and supplies in the disaster zone that it is working to distribute to the storm's victims.

•AmeriCares provides medicine and other supplies to people affected by Hurricane Sandy.

•World Vision is distributing flood clean-up kits, personal hygiene items, and emergency food kits to people hit by the hurricane.

•Save the Children is also working to provide relief to families and their children.

•Samaritan’s Purse is asking for volunteers to help storm victims.

•The United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund was established to address the near-term and long-term recovery needs of individuals, families, and communities along the Eastern Seaboard impacted by Hurricane Sandy’s devastation.

•UJA Federation of New York is set up to receive donations and “mobilize the resources of our community to offer assistance — and rebuild for the future.”

(Thank you to ABC News Online for their list of resources.)

Click on the REPLY button to leave a COMMENT. SUBSCRIBE to my blog by clicking the SUBSCRIBE button (located on the top right-hand side of the page.) Check out past posts under “Recent Posts to Keep You Empowered.” Feel free to share my blog and pass it around. Enjoy! DISCLAIMER: Comments from An Empowered Spirit are brought to your attention on topics that could benefit you and should be discussed with your doctor or other medical professional. I am not medically trained, and my posts are journalistic and not instead of medical advice. An Empowered Spirit and its author will not be held liable for any damages incurred from using this blog or any data or links provided.