Hurricane Sandy was one of the largest storms to ever hit the East Coast of the United States. Families were evacuated from flood zones and much of the east coast lost power. Some homes were destroyed or damaged due to flood waters and fire. Your family can provide much needed items and comfort to families staying in shelters by creating Hurricane Helpers care packages.

Here's what you're doing:

Help those affected by hurricanes by providing them with essential items.

Here's what you need:

• Shoebox or plastic box
• Paper Markers
• Rubber band

Here's how you do it!

1. Talk to your children about a recent hurricane. Your children might have seen harsh images of natural disasters on TV. Here is their opportunity to help! See Internet Resources for information on helping kids deal with disasters.
2. Decorate a shoebox or plastic container with stickers, wrapping paper, comics etc. Important: Decorate the bottom and top separately, so the box can be opened or closed without tearing the decorations.
3. Decide if you want to target a specific age group. If you do, fill the box with age appropriate items such as toiletries, games, and books.
4. Please do not send any used clothing or glass items, candles, toy guns, knives or balloons for any age group
5. Fill the box with NEW items.
6. Make a card or draw a picture, letting them know you are a family that cares!
7. Put a rubber band around it. Label your Hurricane Helper: Boy or Girl and Age: Newborn-2; 3-5; 6-12; 13-18.
8. Connect with an agency that helps people affected by hurricanes. Ask them if they would accept your kit.
9. Mail your kit. Contact your local Red Cross to find out where you can mail your package. If you are near an evacuation site, your town hall should also be able to connect you with a shelter site manager.

Interesting Fact:

On average, every three years, two major hurricanes strike the United States.

Reflection Questions:

1. Who are we helping?
2. Why are we helping them?
3. How are we helping them?
4. What are we most excited about?
5. What might be tough or challenging about our project?
6. What are every one's jobs during the project? What do we each have to do?

Share your Hurricane Sandy service stories here.