Just over two months after Sandy racked the Lower Hudson Valley—leaving hundreds of thousands without power, flooding shorelines and claiming several lives—New York State officials have released information on the money raised for relief efforts.
Some $400 million was raised for New York by 88 charities, said Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman.
But according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's estimate that the superstorm cost the Empire State about $42 billion, there's still a massive dearth in funds needed repair destroyed homes and ravaged coasts.
Schneiderman said the top five donors are:
American Red Cross
$188 million
Robin Hood Foundation
$67 million
The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City
$45 million
Empire State Relief Fund
$15.4 million
The Salvation Army, USA Eastern Territory
$14.3 million
"The generosity of the public and the hard work of charities in response to Hurricane Sandy is inspiring," said Schneiderman. "As we continue to monitor charitable activities related to Sandy relief, it is essential that nonprofit organizations operate in the most transparent way possible."
Schneiderman also said the state is investigating how the relief funds will be spent.
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Any complaints concerning charitable activities relating to Hurricane Sandy should be sent to the Charities Bureau's dedicated Hurricane Sandy email address: sandyresponse@ag.ny.gov.
Tips for donors supporting Hurricane Sandy relief, as well as financial reports of charities, are available on Attorney General Schneiderman's website, at www.charitiesnys.com
