Millions of Americans woke up without power this morning. Thousands have been evacuated from their homes. The devastation of Hurricane Sandy is turning reality into a nightmare as storm victims surveil the damage to homes and property. Thankfully, the loss of life is not what it could have been, given the magnitude of wind and waves that swept boulders from the ocean onto streets and twisted a crane like a Tinker Toy.

Thousands of our fellow Americans are turning to the Red Cross in need. You can provide assistance immediately through a financial contribution or by scheduling an appointment to give blood. One hundred Red Cross blood drives have been cancelled so far because of the storm. If you live in a city not affected by the damage, please consider making a donation of blood. It takes such little time to give the gift of life.

Donating money is as simple as going online to make a secure contribution or by sending a text from your phone.

Details on how to give to the Red Cross:

Donate Blood: Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or go online to redcrossblood.org

Donate Funds: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation; go to www.RedCross.org to make a secure online donation; or call 1-800-RED-CROSS

When disaster strikes, Americans respond by embracing people we've never met, hundreds or thousands of miles away, as neighbors and friends. Please donate to your neighbors today.