Yesterday, NBC News' “TODAY show” announced“TODAY Gives Hope,” a new ongoing initiative to help bring relief to communities in need. (Watch the TODAY T.V. segment here.) Through this long-term project, the TODAY show will leverage its strength in news coverage, cross-platform promotion, and partnerships to inspire viewers to bring hope back to communities that need it most. When areas across the nation face challenging times, “TODAY Gives Hope” will be prepared to take action and help.

Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc in the northeast, and months later, the destruction remains. The first chapter of “TODAY Gives Hope: Hurricane Sandy” will focus on the communities in New York City, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut most affected by the storm.

Teaming Up with United Way, Amazon, Penske Truck Rental & CI Group

TODAY will work with United Way and Amazon to bring essential items to the communities that were severely impacted. United Way will curate Amazon.com Wish Lists for these communities made up of much-needed items, and then will distribute to local community organizations that they’ve determined are in need. Also supporting the initiative is Penske Truck Rental, which will provide trucks to deliver the items and CI-Group, which will donate storage space as well as sorting and fulfillment services.

“We are pleased to continue supporting the relief efforts with Hurricane Sandy,” said Don Mikes, Penske’s senior vice president of truck rental. “We have been working to support many of the major relief organizations, our own customers, associates, and other grassroots organizations since the devastating storm hit. We hope this new effort can bring yet another level of relief to the communities affected by the storm as they continue to rebuild.”

How You Can Help “Today Gives Hope”

You can participate in “TODAY Gives Hope: Hurricane Sandy” by logging on to TODAY.com/Hope where you can learn more about the current state of each region that still needs help. From there, you can donate items specific to each region like cleaning supplies, tools, blankets, and space heaters from the Amazon.com Wish Lists, and even share why you are helping.

About the United Way

United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED(r) is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: www.UnitedWay.org.