Sandy: New York City Schools Reopen, Gas Rations Begins, Stars Lend A Hand

As temperatures continue to drop and the threat of a nor'easter looming, nearly two-million residents in New Jersey and New York State were still without power after Hurricane Sandy. But there was progress being made:

In New York City, schools reopened this morning, but some students will be bused to other schools as a result of storm damage.

According to the MTA, 80 percent of the New York subway system was back up and with the gas shortage, more people are expected to use mass transit.

Governor Chris Christie signed an executive order to ration gas in hopes of cutting down the lines that developed in the wake of the storm. Under the plan, car owners with license plates that end in odd numbers can get gas on odd days and those with even numbered plates can get gas on even days.

Instead of complaining about the cancellation of the New York City Marathon, some would-be-marathoners found another way to put their energy to use -- helping the victims of Hurricane Sandy in Staten Island. Runners strapped supplies to their backs and ran to various locations to hand them out.

Ben Stiller was spotted at a shelter serving food and Alec Baldwin visited with New York University students at their shelter. Watch the video below.

NBC also organized a telethon with Christina Aguilera, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Sting and Billy Joel which raised $23 million.

Jimmy Kimmel is auctioning off his Brooklyn desk signed by David Letterman, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.  Proceeds benefit the Red Cross.

Want to help?  There are plenty of different ways you can make a difference.  An Illion family is collecting items to take to New York City.  Townsquare has joined 'Restore the Shore' cause and you can too.