The City of St. Charles has joined other local organizations to launch the “St. Charles Cares” Hurricane Sandy Relief Effort to help victims of the recent natural disaster. Friday, Nov. 16 has been designated as a special Day of Giving in St. Charles.

All residents and businesses are encouraged to make donations to the American Red Cross:

• Online. www.redcross.org
• By Text. Make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999 (visit website for terms).
• By Phone. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), Español: 1-800-257-7575, TDD Operator: 1-800-220-4095.

Participating organizations include the City of St. Charles, the St. Charles Park District, School District 303, St. Charles Public Library, Downtown St. Charles Partnership, St. Charles Storm Basketball, and St. Charles Boys Baseball.

This past summer, I had the pleasure of visiting Long Beach Island for a family vacation. We had a wonderful time enjoying the natural beauty of the beach and participating in the many traditional summertime activities on “the shore.”

My family and I are saddened by the destruction that Sandy has caused. This YouTube video provides images of the damage and shows the magnitude of the recovery effort that will be required.

I encourage everyone to make a donation to help our fellow citizens in New Jersey and along the East Coast.