We’ve got a lot on our to-do list here in Greater New York and Northern New Jersey after this week’s unprecedented weather event, but it is Halloween after all, so we hope you’ve got a great DIY, eco-happy, community-supporting costume planned.

Fill your Halloween with Goodwill, be it through DIY flair or volunteer fun! (Photo courtesy of GoodwillNyNj Style Icon Sammy Davis)
If you’re hoping to gather last-minute flair at Goodwill, just be sure to call ahead. We’re still working on getting some of our stores and offices back to 100% operations, but if we’re open, we’d love to have you. You can find all our stores’ contact information at http://www.goodwillny.org/shop/goodwill-store-locations.
If you’d like to volunteer and help people affected by the storm, here are some resources for you (taken from “How to Help Hurricane Sandy Victims” by ABC News):
- The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers to help in the shelters set up for Hurricane/Storm Sandy. You can find out more about how to help out at “How You Can Help: Volunteer for Sandy Shelters”
- Nearly 100 Red Cross blood drives were canceled because of Sandy, so blood supplies are low in the areas affected the most. The Red Cross asks that those who can donate to schedule an appointment to give blood. 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 www.nybloodcenter.org.
- New York City Hall is soliciting volunteers. Email nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov with your name, email address and borough. There will be ways to volunteer today and over the next week as opportunities arise.
As always, you can donate to Goodwill, both online and, during open hours, at our stores and donation centers. Please know that your donations are key to keeping our programs and services going strong – programs and services that are vital to helping New Yorkers get back into the economic mainstream. Your support is always relevant and always appreciated.
Thank you and stay safe, NY and NJ!