As someone who loves to write, it’s been difficult for me to really put my emotions surrounding the events of the past 12 into words.

As so many people in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut continue to try and literally rebuild their lives after Sandy and the added stress of this week’s Nor’easter, I’m providing a few links with  information on some of the ways the rest of us can help.

Whether you live in the New York area or around the country, hopefully you’ll be able to use some of these ideas to chip in and lend a helping hand.

• The season may be over, but you can help the Yankees and Mets score big by helping those affected by Sandy:

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/mets-yanks-part-sandy-article-1.1197287

• WCBS 880, the all-news radio station I listen to while getting ready for work every morning, offers this list of organizations that need help and ways to get involved with them:

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/top-lists/disaster-relief-information-resources/

• There are approximately 90 Modell’s stores throughout New York. Most  are accepting clothing donations along with toiletries in partnership with WPLJ radio and Goodwill of New York and New Jersey. Click the link below for a list of store locations and the items needed most, such as coats, scarves, gloves, toothpaste, toothbrushes and baby wipes).

http://plj.com/Article.asp?id=2567748&spid=25206

• One fitness-related note, all New York Sports Clubs locations remain open to anyone affected by the storm who may need a place to shower, charge a phone or even de-stress a bit with a workout.

http://www.mysportsclubs.com/regions/

Thanks again to all of you who’ve sent me messages asking how my family and friends fared after the storms. Again, I was very fortunate throughout the storm and while my parents remain in the dark on Long Island, they’re safe. My prayers remain with those who continue to struggle and wish them some moments of peace in the weekend ahead.

To end on a lighter note, I also want to thank all of you who’ve supported me in the Face of Fitness contest for Fitness Magazine this week. Voting continues through Sunday and even if you’ve voted already, you can vote every day until November 11th. Click here to cast your vote.

To all of you who support this blog and all my efforts, I wish you a wonderful weekend filled with plenty of opportunities to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!