ST. CLOUD - You can now contribute locally to helping the nearly 8 million people who are struggling in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

The United Way of Central Minnesota and the Central Minnesota Community Foundation have partnered to create a regional fund to assist with both short and long-term efforts to help impacted communities on the east coast.

The money donated will be directly given to communities that have been declared FEMA disaster areas to help families with food and housing needs.

To learn more about how you can help, visit the United Way of Central Minnesota online.

More From AM 1240 WJON