While cleanup efforts continue across New Jersey and New York after the second most destructive storm in U.S. history since World War II, many citizens remain homeless as a result of hurricane damage. They are facing the fact that they will remain so for some time before getting some semblance of their lives back. With the onset of winter coming, warm shelter, food, and comfort that make us feel human have become increasingly important to those facing hardship. Charities such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund, Robin Hood Foundation, New Jersey Recovery Foundation, and many more have been instrumental in providing those items throughout areas far and wide across New Jersey and New York.

CARiD believes that corporations have a responsibility to not only serve their customers and employees, but to support and give back to local communities – especially in times of great need. In the decade CARiD has been in business, we have been a supporter of New Jersey charities and foundations because doing the right thing as a whole is what drives us as a company, and as individuals. It’s what has led to our reputation and business success, and we don’t plan to quit now. In this time of devastation throughout our home area, we support those rebuilding their lives who brave unfortunate situations with remarkable determination to go on no matter how much loss they have faced.

CARiD is making a donation of over 400 pounds of non-perishable food items to the Red Cross and other relief organizations to help make this Thanksgiving a less painful and happier time for those who are hurting. Above and beyond CARiD corporate efforts that have been brought together by the unified will of our employees, company individuals have been making personal contributions on their own time to aid charities and cleanup efforts where they are most needed. After CARiD employees donated turkeys from their own freezers, technical writer Mike Allen collected and deep-fried them in back yard Cajun cookers. Once the 70 pounds of meat was prepared, he and others brought it to food banks in highly devastated areas across southern New Jersey.

Staffers Ryan Gronlie and Aaron Smith have been working hands-on gutting and cleaning up flooded structures in Staten Island and Seaside Heights. Adam Thatcher has been bringing relief supplies to firefighters and National Guard members stranded by damaged bridges. John Magnabousco has been travelling by boat or raft into flooded Manasquan areas to help homeowners with repairs that can be done. While these are only some examples, they are among many untold charitable efforts the majority of staffers have been involved in with churches, civic clubs, and other organizations during these last two weeks.

CARiD’s success and never-ending mission to improve ourselves as a company has always been a result of the enthusiasm and passion of our employees, and throughout this difficult time we remain open in order to serve our loyal customers – now as much as ever. Although the storm affected our area greatly, any previous delays of order deliveries have been resolved. Now, as always, we are working hard to make sure your order with us is followed up on and expedited as quickly as possible should any unexpected glitches occur. From replacement OE body parts to aero kits, our friendly staff is online and on duty at this time to help guide you through the buying process and make sure purchases meet your needs, fit your exact vehicle, and satisfy you for years to come.

Please don’t forget that there’s a “click through” banner on carid.com (on the very top of the page, in the right corner) linking to a website American Red Cross. Making a donation to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, you will help the American Red Cross provide food, shelter, and the emotional support to those who are in great need. You can help people in the path of Sandy today! Let’s unite our efforts to assist those affected by Hurricane Sandy!

Thanks to the Red Cross, since the beginning of the Sandy relief effort:

• Nearly 5,900 Red Cross workers have been deployed from all 50 states to operations from North Carolina to Rhode Island, with the majority still in Greater New York and throughout New Jersey.

• Last night, more than 5,300 people impacted by Sandy and the Nor’easter spent the night in 71 shelters in the following states: NY, NJ, PA and WV.

• More than 3.5 million meals and snacks have been served.

• More than 177,000 relief items, such as clean-up kits and hygiene kits are distributed.

Your contributions mean a lot to people left out without any shelter, food or essential relief supplies. Thank you in advance for your support!

For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.