It's no question that Hurricane Sandy devastated New York City, New Jersey and the Northeast this past week. We're still feeling the effects and, unfortunately, I think it's going to take a while for everyone to recover and for things to get back to normal.
One thing that's kept my spirits high in these trying times, though, is the amazing effort that we have seen from so many people__, from President Barack Obama__ to celebrities like Christina Aguilera, to the neighbors down the street. In fact, I loved Xtina rocking her ballad "Beautiful" at the opening of NBC's benefit concert Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together this past Friday. She's not the only one, though, and there have been so many post-Hurricane Sandy acts of kindness that it seriously restores my faith in humanity and warms my heart. Take a look at these photos and, despite the chaos, I guarantee they'll put a smile on your face.
Read more ¿Qué más? Hurricane Sandy: I had to evacuate because of the Frankenstorm!
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Image via NBC
Neighbor Shares Power
One of the things that people were desperate for was electricity. In fact, I still know plenty of people who don't have power. Lucky for some of them, though, this kindly neighbor shared a plug from their house so that people could recharge their cellphones, get in touch with their family, and begin the road to recovery.
Baby Squirrels Rescued
Nothing is sweeter than when people take the time to think about the other residents of our planet that could be harmed: helpless animals. The Virginia Beach ASPCA took the time to rescue some baby squirrels and are currently nursing them back to health. Tell me this photo doesn't just make you go: AWWW!
Ben Stiller Serves Food
Besides the benefit concert, other celebrities took the time to help out in any way that they could. Here is Ben Stiller, who was photographed serving food to local residents in Brooklyn. Go him for taking the time! Anyone can send a check, but it takes a true hero to volunteer.
Kid Puts on Magic Show for Donations
Seriously, how SWEET is this? This little boy decided to use his talents and put on a magic show for passers by, asking people only to donate some of their money for victims of Hurricane Sandy. That's good parenting right there!
Bon Jovi Revisits Hometown
Jon Bon Jovi was also one of the celebrities that participated in the benefit concert, but that's not ALL he did! He actually visited his hometown of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, filming video of the destruction and helping residents in any way he could.
Doctor Offered Free Services
Knowing that plenty of people would need his assistant, this kind doctor actually offered up his services–for free! I'm really impressed by this one. With several hospitals being down, this is something that could really help people in a time of need.
Even Kids Helped Clean up!
Look at this cute little boy helping clean up his neighborhood! I honestly can't imagine being a child and walking through the wreckage caused by the storm, but I'm definitely very encouraged by all of the kids who pitched in and helped afterward.
Food Trucks Give Out Freebies
This food truck gave out free waffles to residents that were left without any power or food, as did many others in the East Village and other parts of New York City. Food was definitely one of the things that was needed, and I'm glad to see people came to the rescue of other people.
Anderson Cooper Shares Electricity
In a photo that he posted on his personal Instagram account, Anderson Cooper recounted how he and his crew shared their electricty with Hoboken, New Jersey, residents who needed to "charge phones and get online."
Canceled Marathoners Do Good
Although not all were happy with the cancelation of the New York City Marathon this past weekend, many who were slated to run instead decided to volunteer. They carried food and clothing and, well, made use of their unexpected free day in the best way they could.
Occupy Sandy Begins
The Occupy Wall Street movement, which we hadn't heard much from in the last few months, put their efforts into hurricane relief efforts ASAP. Organizing Occupy Sandy immediately, they're now helping to direct volunteers and donations to where they are needed most.
Volunteers Pitched In EVERYWHERE
Well, leave it to the kindness of people helping out their fellow human beings to truly be the best gift to come out of Hurricane Sandy. Yes, things aren't great and we're suffering–but seeing all of the people who have helped out in every which way, from donating clothes and food to volunteering to giving money, it's really something to say about the human spirit and our ability to recover. We may not be there fully yet, but I trust that we will get there, with each other's help, very soon.
