A woman and child look out the door as heavy winds blow outside a Red Cross shelter in Hampton Bays, New York October 29, 2012.  (REUTERS/Lucas Jackson)

By Jacqueline Baylon
Digital First Media

Nearly 11,000 people in 16 states spent Monday night in an American Red Cross shelter.

They were seeking a warm, dry place after Hurricane Sandy pounded the East Coast, damaging countless homes and leaving more than 7 million residential and business customers without power.

Experts have called Sandy a rare, powerful storm, and the number of those needing assistance is expected to climb in the coming days.

Here are some ways to help.

Donations:
The American Red Cross is accepting donation via text and on their website. Financial donations help the Red Cross provide shelter, food and assistance. To donate, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

For a text donation, text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Contributions may also be sent to a local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

People should also be advised to be cautious when choosing a charity. To check on charities or other organizations, go to:

• Charity Navigator
• Charity Watch
• Guidestar

Donate Blood:
Though the Red Cross has canceled about 100 blood drives because of Hurricane Sandy, there are still some places available. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS for more information in your area.

Shelter and Food:
The Salvation Army is providing shelter and meals to those in need. There is also a dedicated page for New York City.

Children:
Children affected by the storm can also be helped through World Vision and Save the Children.

Outside the U.S.:
Haiti and Cuba were among the areas affected by Hurricane Sandy before it hit the East Coast. To help people outside the United States, visit International Medical Corps.

Animals:
To help animals affected by Sandy, visit the Humane Society of the United States.

Volunteers:
The Samaritan’s Purse group is looking for volunteers to help clean up and rebuild locations damaged in the storm.