NE Wisconsin helping Sandy victims

GREEN BAY - With severe weather now out of the northeast part of the country, millions of people are now trying to pick up what's left of their damaged or destroyed homes.

There still isn’t a definite number as to how many homes and businesses were destroyed in superstorm Sandy, but the emotional toll is adding up.

“We may have had a storm where it blew a couple of things back and forth, but for us to be flooded out our homes, animals all over the place, disheveled, families, the elderly, people who don't have anybody, still probably waiting on help," said Barbara Davies of Moonachie, New Jersey.

Forecasting Firm IHS Global Insight predicts the storm caused $20 billion in damage.

So what can people in Wisconsin do to help those affected by Sandy?

On Tuesday, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney took to bagging food at an Ohio storm relief event for Sandy victims.

"There are a lot of people that'll still be looking for goods, even though we've gathered these things," said Romney.

Also on Tuesday, his wife Ann also addressed supporters in Allouez.

"This is a time for us to care,” said Ann Romney.

Ann Romney said the campaign centers across the country are collecting water, blankets and food for victims; urging people to donate to the relief effort.

"To contact American Red Cross – you dial on your phone 9-0-999 - that automatically gets you a $10 contribution,” said Ann Romney, referring to texting “Red Cross” to 9-0-999 to donate $10.

But Wednesday, the items collected at the campaign center in Allouez still sat there, waiting to be picked up.

Wisconsin Romney-Ryan campaign spokesman Ben Sparks says the items at the Wisconsin Victory Centers are being collected in the next few days. Sparks says the items will be distributed through a California-based charity.

FOX 11 contacted the charity and spoke with its executive director. She tells FOX 11 there have been discussions with the Romney-Ryan campaign. But as of Wednesday afternoon, she says the charity – which does not want to be named yet – says nothing has been solidified. If and when the items are donated, the executive director says they will be distributed to relief programs working along the eastern seaboard.

How can Wisconsin help?

“The best way that they can do that is by donating blood and also giving a financial gift to the American Red Cross," explained Jody Weyers, the communications director for the Northeast Wisconsin American Red Cross chapter.

Weyers says blood won't necessarily be shipped out east, but it will help replenish the blood reserves. Sandy forced the cancellation of roughly 300 drives out east. More cancellations are expected.

Weyers says money is more versatile, allowing the Red Cross to purchase needed items – in bulk – at prices the general public cannot.

"We have pre-positioned supplies that are closer to the different disaster areas so that our response is immediate," said Weyers.

Watch for scams

And if you want donate to the relief efforts, to any organization purporting to help the victims of Sandy, the Better Business Bureau urges you to look out for scams.

"Online has become the new way to approach people and give aid,” explained Northeast Wisconsin Better Business Bureau regional manager JoEllen Wollangk. “After Katrina, the BBB was made aware of over 1,500 false sites for giving."

Wollangk says the public should be wary of being contacted by email or text message, asking for personal information.

"Go back online and find the organization through the search engine," said Wollangk about following the information you have back to its source, to ensure your money is used effectively.

There are three easy ways to donate to the American Red Cross: at the Red Cross website, by phone at 1-800-Red-Cross or via text.

Texting “Red Cross” to 9-0-999 will give a $10 donation.