Several N.Y. area teams are helping with the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. In N.Y., Paul Schwartz reports the NFL Giants have donated $500,000, "splitting the money evenly between two major organizations, Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City." Giants QB Eli Manning yesterday traveled to "Staten Island with the American Red Cross to assist in the battered borough" while eight players "went to Seaside Heights." Other Giants players were "at the New Jersey Food Bank, where they assisted in sorting food and making sandwiches" (N.Y. POST, 11/7). On Long Island, Tom Rock notes the Jets yesterday "also were out in the community." Jets QB Mark Sanchez on his Twitter page wrote, "Heading to Toms River to help some fellow NJ residents" (NEWSDAY, 11/7). In N.Y., O'Keeffe & Thompson note the Mets are "teaming up with City Harvest to help out needy New Yorkers -- and fans who participate in the organization's Nov. 14 food drive will receive tickets and discounts on team merchandise." Fans who donate "10 or more nonperishable, nutritious food items will receive a voucher redeemable for tickets" to a Mets' home game next April. Donors also will receive 15% off "select merchandise at the Mets Team Store at Citi Field." Season-ticket holders who donate food can "show their identification card for 20% discounts off select items" and the discounts will "only be honored on Nov. 14." The Yankees also are "collecting and distributing donations at Yankee Stadium." Individuals are "encouraged to bring non-perishable food and household items" and the drop-off point "will be staffed 24 hours a day." The Yankees will "immediately deliver and distribute them on an ongoing basis" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 11/7).
MORE HELP COMING: In Newark, Tom Luicci noted Rutgers AD Tim Pernetti yesterday "headed a delegation from Piscataway to the Sandy-battered Shore town of Union Beach ... that delivered supplies and then handed them out to residents of one of the hardest hit communities in the state from last week's devastating storm" (NJ.com, 11/6). On Long Island, Steve Zipay notes the Islanders "will hold a free public skate at Nassau Coliseum on Monday from 2-8 p.m. to benefit" storm victims. Those who wish to attend can "skate on a first-come, first-served basis (fans must bring their own skates), and all who attend are encouraged to donate non-perishable goods, clothing and money" (NEWSDAY, 11/7).
OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS: PROFOOTBALLTALK.com's Mike Florio noted Colts Owner Jim Irsay "will match online contributions made" through Friday. Fans can donate by "visiting the Colts website or the page that has been devoted to the effort at the American Red Cross website" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 11/2). In a separate piece Florio noted the Vikings and Owner Zygi Wilf, "a New Jersey native, have added $100,000 to the relief effort" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 11/2). NYRA last Saturday announced a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross for relief efforts (NYRA). The Lakers "donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross to assist victims." Additionally, the team "has promised to match up to an additional $50,000 of donations from fans, bringing their total contribution to $100,000" (LATIMES.com, 11/2).
