The Kindness of Strangers

When Hurricane Sandy came to the mid-Atlantic states on October 29, 2012 it changed the lives of many people who lived along the coast and those who suffered the effects of wind, rain, severe tidal surges and flooding, falling trees and downed power lines.  Now there is a severe shortage of gasoline and cars queue up for many hours, even days waiting to fill up the gas tank. Many are still without electrical power and heat and there are shortages of generators and batteries for flashlights.  This region is also bracing itself for a Nor'easter storm expected to come tomorrow that may cause further damage.  In my last post, I blogged about the things I learned from surviving the effects of Hurricane Sandy, and how better to prepare for future natural disasters.  Now a week later I can add another, wonderful lesson: when there is need, most people are kind and generous!

As you can see from my cell phone photos in this post, volunteers came out to help. Hundreds, if not thousands, of bags full of warm clothing were donated to a make shift donation center in one hard hit area in Brooklyn, New York

There were donations of water, juices, non perishable foods, baby food and formula, diapers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, cleaning supplies, children's toys and books,  Boxes upon boxes, worth of supplies

A church school became a temporary shelter for those who lost their homes to flood waters, and complete strangers came out to assist with making hot coffee, tea, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to fulfill the immediate need of those who were cold and hungry.

They then set up serving tables filled with trays of hot food from donations that came from restaurants and caterers around the area, as well as local and far away residents. It was neighbor helping neighbor, stranger helping stranger. Many worked hard for many hours, but vowed to return the next day.

Cots were set up, and warm fleece blankets were distributed for those that needed shelter for the nights ahead.

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This tiny, neighborhood, volunteer relief center received so many donations that the US National Guard was called by a local assemblyman to come and bring the excess to other local areas in need, such as Coney Island, Seagate, the Rockaways, and Breezy Point.

It was heartwarming to see so many pitch in to help! We loaded excess goods into the National Guard  trucks...

...and into volunteer ambulances....

...and even the city buses that were bringing people to permanent shelters around the borough.

There is still need, especially for D batteries for flashlights, gas for generators, cleaning supplies, strong black bags for disposal of destroyed belonging, rubber boots, gloves, brooms, shovels and mops for clean up. So many lost almost everything in their homes -- furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing, personal mementos. Most also lost their cars in the flood surge or to fallen trees. Tens of thousands of people will need to be relocated until housing can be rebuilt or repaired.  This will be an ongoing disaster for many months, if not years, ahead.  Please help in any way you can!  A great portal for volunteers opportunities in New York city is NYC Service. This web page lists a variety of ways to get involved in the cleanup and recovery after Hurricane Sandy. As communities assess their needs and begin to rebuild, more volunteer opportunities will be added. Be sure to check back here for the most up-to-date volunteer opportunities throughout the five boroughs.

Thank you to everyone who has commented to me and given me your emotional support during this disaster.  My husband and I felt so fortunate not to have suffered damage from the hurricane, and we are trying to volunteer our help as much as possible with those in need.  I may be a little slow in responding to comments but I've read and appreciated each and every one! Please keep all the Hurricane Sandy victims in your prayers.  Thanks so much!