The images coming out of New York, New Jersey and all along the East Coast are heart-breaking and incomprehensible. It’s hard to imagine a New York City without a subway system let alone a New York that looks like a war zone. The people of New York (and the entire US) are so resilient and I’m relieved that we’ve now heard from most of our friends that they are safe and sound, but there’s so much work to be done. So much damage.

If you’re like me, you’ve likely been tracking the news all day and wondering how you can help. Especially when you feel worlds away (never has living in Southern California felt more like a bubble). A simple donation to the Red Cross is a great start. Here’s how:

* Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to disaster relief efforts.

* Donate online here.

* Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to donate.

* Mail a donation by printing a donation form here.

If you have other ideas of how to help out (especially if you are in the thick of it and are in need), please leave them in the comments here.

Sending thoughts, prayers and infinite hugs to New York, New Jersey and the East Coast and a billion thank yous for the opportunities, friendships, love and memories given to me from you (born in New Jersey, married in New York, you hold such special places in my heart). Thinking of you xx.

UPDATE: Reader and fellow blogger Amy has a great post on more ways to help on her blog Happy Coffee Bean. Thanks, Amy! Glamour also has some great suggestions here.

[Image by Kurt Dietrich on InstaCane, the story of Hurricane Sandy told through Instagram]