Last week Hurricane Sandy ripped through the East Coast, leaving destruction and devastation behind. This week, America is uniting under the stress to help those in need. Leading the charge today is ABC, which is holding a “Day of Giving” to help victims. Good Morning America host Robin Roberts joined the recovery efforts and sent a touching video urging viewers to give what they can.
“It was so difficult for me to follow doctor’s orders and stay here at home last week,” says Roberts, who is battling a rare blood disorder, in the short message. “Like so many, I felt helpless watching all those people, all those families, impacted by Sandy.”
Roberts recalls vivid memories when Hurricane Katrina destroyed her Mississippi hometown in 2005. “I remember… being [in] my beloved home state of Mississippi, walking in the rubble,” she says. “The coastline unrecognizable. Family members were displaced for months. It took over a year for us to get back in the family home. Please give whatever you can; any amount is greatly appreciated. If you can’t make a donation, please consider giving in other ways — your time, volunteering, taking a moment to say a prayer, sending positive energy, positive thoughts to all those that have been affected by Sandy.”
Just this weekend, Dwyane Wade donated $210K to Sandy relief efforts. “I know a lot of people here,” Wade said. “Knowing the things they have been through, it’s just mind-boggling. Miami is a place that is affected by hurricanes all the time so I know how the community can be impacted.”