NEW YORK (WBOC/AP)- The United Way of New York City is distributing $5 million in aid to communities affected by Superstorm Sandy.
The funds will go to organizations including child-care centers, soup kitchens and a volunteer fire association.
The funds collected from donors after Sandy struck on Oct. 29 will go to communities in seven states - Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia.
A total of $9.6 million will be distributed in three phases. The first $5 million was announced Monday.
United Way of New York City President and CEO Sheena Wright said that four months after Sandy struck, the organization's focus is shifting from near-term to long-term needs.
She said funds will go to non-profit organizations such as soup kitchens and mental health agencies that provide services to people who were already struggling before the storm.
"The fund will bring crucial support to community organizations as we move away from the response to the immediate aftermath of the storm and enter into the near and long-term recovery phase in order to return people to a sense of normalcy," Wright said.
To learn more about the fund and to make a contribution, visit www.uwsandyrecovery.org.
