FEBRUARY 01, 2013
NBC’S TODAY AND UNITED WAY HELP SUPPORT COMMUNITIES HARDEST HIT BY SANDY WITH ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES
NEW YORK, NY – United Way and NBC News’ TODAY are partnering to help communities in need with “TODAY Gives Hope: Hurricane Sandy.” The TODAY show team will leverage its strength in news coverage, cross-platform promotion and partnerships to inspire viewers to bring hope back to communities hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy.
Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc in the Northeast, and months later, the destruction remains. Families lack essential supplies and are still struggling to rebuild their homes. “TODAY Gives Hope: Hurricane Sandy” will focus on the communities in New York City, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut most affected by the storm. The partnership with United Way and Amazon.com will help supply essential items to the communities that were severely impacted.
“United Way is on the ground, working with affected communities to identify what supplies are needed and to distribute goods to families,” says Sheena Wright, President & CEO of United Way of New York City. “By partnering with NBC News’ on TODAY Gives Hope: Hurricane Sandy, we can get the word out about what people need and help Sandy’s hardest hit rebuild their homes and lives and return to a sense of normalcy.”
United Way will curate Amazon.com wish lists made up of much-needed items for these communities, and then will distribute the items to local community organizations. People can participate in “TODAY Gives Hope: Hurricane Sandy” by logging on to TODAY.com/Hope where they can learn more about the current state of each region that still needs help. From there, they can donate items specific to each region like cleaning supplies, tools, blankets, and space heaters from the Amazon.com wish lists, and then share why they are helping. Also supporting the initiative is Penske, which will provide trucks to deliver the items and CI Group, which will donate storage space.
Please use this link to donate to those in need on Long Island:
About United Way
United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED(r) is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: www.UnitedWay.org.
Media Contact
Kamian Allen – 212-671-0892
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