Even before our power came back on, Verona residents and businesses had begun to organize relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. We told you about some of the first projects early in the week (the donations gathered at the Garcia’s home, pictured right, have already been delivered). Here are other ways you can help:
NEW Forest Avenue SCA: Collection drive for the k-8 elementary school in Lavallette, which may be unable to get back to its building for eight months or more. The Forest SCA is suggesting gift cards to Staples, Costco, Target, Best Buy, Visa/MasterCard, Walmart, K-Mart, or checks payable to the “Lavallette School”. The school is also interested in borrowing laptop computers for their students if anyone has access to computers. Bring items to Forest or mail to St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, C/O Lavallette School, 2200 Church Road, Toms River, NJ 08753.
NEW Siegel Family: Collecting any new or gently used blankets to distribute to the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Also needed are bleach/cleaner products, push brooms and shovels. Leave donations at the table outside the office at Forest Avenue Elementary Schoo or drop off at 15 Whitney Terrace. Any questions contact Sheree Siegel at 973-809-4560.
Callari/Conlon families: They are taking donations for Union Beach, and will be taking donations down on Tuesday, November 13 to the Union Beach Municipal Building and Firehouse 1 on Union Avenue. They are looking for non-perishable foods (canned goods,crackers,etc.), bottled water, bottles of bleach, blankets, flashlights and batteries, toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hand wipes), gloves,hats, coats, diapers, baby formula, pet food. Drop off with John and Diane Callari at 51 Depot Street, or Kim and Ed Conlon, 231 Fairview.
DCH Montclair Acura/Brookdale Cleaners (new event): The DCH Montclair Acura is teaming up with students from Kearny High School to collect clothing, hygiene essentials and cleaning products to distribute to families in Ocean County on November 18. You can bring items to Kearny High School on Saturday, November 17 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or drop off at the Acura dealership (corner of Bloomfield and Pompton avenues) or Brookdale Cleaners (152 Bloomfield Avenue) ahead of time. Check DCH’s “JerseyStrong” Web site for updates.
Hardbodyz Fitness: Hardbodyz Fitness is still collecting donations of all kinds, clothes, food, toiletries, diapers, non perishables, batteries, gloves, mops, brooms, paper towels etc. Drop off at Hardbodyz at 129 Bloomfield Avenue. It will be sending out shipments every few days to shelters and relief centers in the tri-state area. Contact Stephanie for questions.
VHS Student Council: The VHS Student Council is conducting a drive to support the students of the Robert L. Craig School (grades K-8) in Moonachie, which will be closed for a month because of damage done by Hurricane Sandy. It is asking for school supplies and either cash or gift card donations by today, Friday, November 9, which can be brought to VHS.
Verona Policeman’s Benevolent Association Local 72: The Verona Policeman’s Benevolent Association Local 72, in cooperation with Goman’s Delivery Service will be conducting donations on Friday, November 9, in the Verona Civic Center near H.B. Whitehorne School from 4 to 8 p.m. They will also be collecting on Saturday November 10, at the VHS football game from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The PBA is asking for canned foods, personal hygiene products, diapers, pet food, sterns, cleaning supplies and batteries (AA and D).
Verona Fire Department: Two volunteer firefighters will be going to Bay Head on Saturday, November 10. They are asking for personal hygiene products, dry goods, baby needs like diapers and pet supplies. (The collection point no longer needs clothes and blankets.) Also: canned foods, chaffing dishes and sterns, and batteries, flashlights, garbage bags, cleaning supplies, paper towels, brooms and gloves. E-mail Steve Neale at [email protected] by Friday morning about what you can donate.
And finally, this note of thanks from the Giuliano family:
Thank you to all of you who have been so generous and donated items to help those affected by the storm. I am overwhelmed by your generosity and the response has been incredible! I am planning a trip to staten island tomorrow since I have so much and would like to bring before the storm. We are well set on coats and clothing items but if you still would like to donate, underwear, socks, brooms,mops, laundry detergent and other cleaning supplies are still needed. Thank you to each one of you for helping and donating and offering your time to come with me!!
–donna and charlie
