The devastation caused by Sandy in the New York and New Jersey area cannot be overstated. Homeland Security head Janet Nepolitano estimated that the area affected is the size of Europe.

That really is staggering.

In Brooklyn, Gowanus and Red Hook Houses were still without electricity until Saturday and some apartments may still be without power. The clean up in Red Hook, Coney Island and elsewhere is massive. Many businesses in Dumbo, including the beloved River Cafe, were badly damaged.

This is just a calamity that keeps unfolding.

Look to the helpers as Fred Rogers (PBS’s Mr. Rogers) used to say. That’s what gives people hope because in the face of nature’s wrath, it is comforting to know that first responders, firefighters, police officers and regular citizens are willing to risk their lives for others.

The organizing efforts of Occupy Sandy have also been heartening. In Brooklyn the St. Jacobi Church in Sunset Park has become mission control for vast, well-organized and on-going Sandy relief efforts.

That said, help has not come fast enough for some communities and going forward City officials must construct ways to provide relief after a storm of this magnitude.

If you’re looking for a way to help, Park Slope Parents has a great list of what’s going on and what you can do.