CBS 11 Phone Bank Benefits Hurricane Sandy Victims

NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Many North Texans are asking what they can do to help storm victims on the east coast. As it stands damage from Hurricane Sandy is estimated between $30 and $50 billion. While some of the subways in the New York City area are running again there are still widespread electric outages.

Today CBS 11 News is hosting a phone bank during the 4, 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts, to encourage Salvation Army donations. Volunteers and staff from The Salvation Army will be on hand to accept phone donations. Anyone wanting to contribute can click here or call (877) TEXAS-11 (839-2711) on November 1 between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

CBS 11, TXA 21 and CBS Radio stations NewsRadio 1080 KRLD | 105.3 THE FAN | 100.3 Jack FM | 98.7 KLUV | MEGA 107.5 | 103.7 Lite FM are also all partnering with the Dallas Cowboys and Albertsons Market to help storm victims affected by Hurricane Sandy.

"This early in the recovery the best thing that can be done is for individuals to think about, pray about a cash donation so that in addition to helping those in need they can also help the economy of the affected area recover," urged Major Ward Matthews, the Salvation Army's DFW Metroplex Commander.

All donations will go to The Salvation Army disaster relief efforts. The agency has a very distinct role in helping those on the Eastern Seaboard. "The Salvation has been named as the lead agency for feeding, especially in lower Manhattan which is still without power," Matthews said. "We're feeding literally thousands of meals a day to individuals and to first responders, to firemen, police officers and those in utility work."

Workers from Oncor made the 22-hour road trip to Baltimore, Maryland to help restore utilities there. The company sent 120 people, half Oncor employees, and the other half Oncor contractors, to help with gas and power services in the area. The crews are prepared to stay for up to two weeks.

While there has been a lot accomplished, damage is extensive and there is still a lot of work to be done. "While some progress has been made, especially today it's great to have some of the transit system working in New York, I think a lot of people are still, we're hearing, dazed by the sheer destruction," Matthews said.

Anyone wanting to help can make donations during the November 1 CBS 11 News phone bank, during the 4, 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts, by calling (877) TEXAS-11 (839-2711).

Donations are also being accepted at local Albertsons Markets or online through the Salvation Army.