As Hurricane Sandy batters much of the central-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, those of us in the Chicago area are wondering how we can help those most in need. Here's how:

To help those affected donate through the Red Cross website or call (800) 733-2767. You can also text the word ‘REDCROSS’ to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter or the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Click here to donate to the Red Cross.

Relief organization Save the Children also is mobilizing response teams for the storm’s aftermath. The group provides child-friendly kits, including diapers and hygiene items to those in need. Click here to donate to Save the Children.

AmeriCares also is mobilizing its efforts to provide medical relief and humanitarian aid to the hardest hit areas. The organization will deliver medicines, First Aid kits, bottled water, cleaning products, flashlights and shelter supplies all along the East Coast, according to its website. Click here to donate to AmeriCares. 

Do you have friends or family on the East Coast? Keep up with news of Hurricane Sandy and how it's affecting small towns in the East.

• Point Pleasant, New Jersey / Reports from Point Pleasant Patch.  
• Annapolis, Maryland / Reports from Annapolis Patch.
• Woodbridge, Virginia / Reports from Woodbridge Patch.
• Southampton, New York / Reports from Southampton Patch.
• Newport, Rhode Island / Reports from Newport Patch.

Do you know of any ongoing local relief efforts? Tell your neighbors about it in the comments section.