In the wake of Hurricane Sandy that wreaked havoc on the northeast and affected the NYU community, the American Red Cross Club at NYU is holding a food delivery event from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to help impoverished families in Lower Manhattan.

Gautam Shrivastava, a CAS senior and club president, said the event, which was planned a month ago, was has taken on new importance.

“The underprivileged neighborhoods needed the food before the storm, but now they need it even more,” Shrivastava said.

On Friday, the club expects 20 of its roughly 50 members to deliver food to the needy, which will be provided by the organization God’s Love We Deliver.

Shrivastava spoke of the importance of NYU contributing to the efforts to mitigate the damages from Hurricane Sandy: “NYU is a substantial part of the community in Manhattan,” Shrivastava said. “We have lots of people and buildings that benefit from the culture. It’s only right if we give back.”

Fariya Islam, a CAS junior and a club member, said Hurricane Sandy was the first time she has experienced a disaster close to home.

“It was both surreal and devastating to see my city damaged the way it was,” Islam said. “This experience has given me a reminder that what the American Red Cross does is crucial.”

Founded in 2005 in response to Hurricane Katrina, the club aims to give back to the local community through fundraising events, assisting local soup kitchens, schools and park cleanup events. And club members are clearly passionate about giving back to the community.

“I wanted to directly help New Yorkers in need instead of donating a few dollars for a cookie at a donation fundraising table in Kimmel,” said CAS sophomore Nattakom Shrestha, who joined the club last year.

During club meetings, members and executive board members participate in round table discussions to plan events that will have a positive impact on areas in need in the community.

In addition to events to help those in need, the club offers training courses in CPR, basic survival skills and more.

“Thanks to Red Cross I’ve helped out at blood drives, learned CPR and first aid for free, and fundraised for a wide spectrum of causes,” said CAS senior Amogn Havanur. “Just last week I made gift bags for an event next month where we’ll be making bedtime dolls for children in hospitals.”

Scott Gamm is a contributing writer. Email him at [email protected].