“I’m so glad you were in New Orleans for this major storm and in New York for the previous major storm,” my mother said over the phone.
I understood her as a mother understands wanting to protect her child, certainly. As a granddaughter, niece, and friend of many who suffered and are still suffering the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, however, I felt as though my hands were tied.
I’ve felt impotent all through my monitoring of the struggles with public transportation our friends in the Queens neighborhood that was home to us for four years before we moved back to New Orleans have been having. I’ve felt helpless in the face of far too many pictures of the worst hit of the five boroughs, pictures reminiscent of too many neighborhoods across this city that are still recovering over seven years after the levee breaches. And I felt especially sad and angry upon finally getting through to my grandparents in Valley Stream, on their sixth day without power, starting to lose hope.
My grandmother, in our conversation, had never seen anything like what she was seeing in her eighty-plus years as a native New Yorker. Her house and one of the cars she and my grandfather owned were intact, but chilly. A neighbor had a generator and had offered to let them use it for a time, but they didn’t want to impose – gasoline is getting scarce. My aunt has power at her Manhattan apartment, but getting there by car or by the Long Island Rail Road is proving to be a difficult thing to even think about, much less embark upon. I had managed to talk to her when she was in the car on the way to her synagogue, which had heat and was serving hot coffee.
I cried out of relief at having been able to talk to her, and out of not being able to hug her through the phone. So many of the things she and my grandpa took for granted had been taken away.
“I keep checking a site that shows the progress of the energy companies on Long Island,” my mother said when I discussed it with her, “and part of the problem is they just don’t have enough people to get everything back on quickly. It also seems the power’s coming back on to the places with the most money.”
“Ooh, none of that sounds familiar,” I said sarcastically.
It’s all far too familiar – coastal areas being washed away or otherwise destroyed – and not quite – debates over whether or not major events held when the weather is not as freaky – like voting or a marathon – should go on as always. (For the record, it was absolutely the right move to cancel the NYC Marathon this year. I have little doubt if a serious weather event happens close to Mardi Gras that the krewe captains would band together and cancel the parades.) The “not quite” is what has me walking away from the computer from time to time, not wanting to impose on the shock of so many others. I have so much sympathy for the northeast and fear for what more is to come in their recovery. My projections upon them have no place whatsoever right now, except in one crucial way…
No matter who or where they are, Hurricane Sandy’s victims need help.
Now.
A few links to consult:
Time Out New York is constantly updating their page of how to help. Donations list is near the end of the post, but new needs are being put up every day. Keep checking in.
Gothamist has a page up on what people need. Keep it in mind when donating.
Brokelyn’s “Where to Volunteer This Weekend” has some donations links as well.
This Recovers.org site is specific to Staten Island’s needs, which are massive.
Strong Island, where folks on Long Island can report on drop-off centers for supplies in their area, places to charge their devices, places to get warm, places in need of volunteers – you get the idea. Got friends, family on Long Island? Pass this link on.
Know anyone who was planning to run the NYC Marathon? This site is set up to help them donate their hotel room to a family in need. Pass it on.
A number of links related to New Jersey are here from one of my favorite writers, as well as a link-o-rama on the climate change talk Sandy and its aftermath have sparked. Any other good Jersey-related donations, needs? Leave them in the comments to this post.
Amy
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Donating money to the victims of Sandy is the dumbest idea ever: http://andreasmoser.wordpress.com/2012/11/04/no-donations-for-sandy/
An appeal for help isn’t necessarily an appeal for money – local volunteering is more than welcome if you prefer to donate elsewhere.
I really do understand that some people believe more strongly in other causes, but putting a plug here about the “dumbness” of others’ causes —after a post by someone directly impacted no less— is a cheap shot. Too soon, Mr. Moser.
Moser has a knack for saying the most inappropriate thing possible.
That was terrible….. but this phenomenon is not surprising for it was already for told in the Bible.
The Bible has nothing to do with Hurricane Sandy.
Well it’s up to you…. you have your own belief and I have mine..
Please keep your beliefs to yourself. They are offensive. Your saying that God was responsible for the storm. Global Warming is Responsible.
Ignore the trolls. They’re just capitalizing on your FP to get views. I hope NYC recovers swiftly.
I am so glad they called off the NYC Marathon. This storm was worst than Katrina I am told. I hope this finds you well.
I second both statements here.
Thank you so much for posting the links to help. My Husband has been working out there and moved to help, but unsure as to how. I’m emailing him this post.
I’d help if I could….money seems so trivial when I’m on the West Coast. Prayers coming!
“I have so much sympathy for the northeast and fear for what more is to come in their recovery.”
I feel your heart in this statement. And for those who can’t stand watching and not doing anything to make it better…every set of hands makes a world of difference. Doing volunteer work in place of vacation is so much better than a cushy vacation. It might even become addictive.
Reblogged this on tutordoctorwny01 and commented:
I came across this and thought some of our readers would like the information on how to help.
Thank you for the insights and links for helping out. NYC, Jersey and Conn. will come out of this all the better and stronger!
I am really sorry to read about what happened. I heard a lot about what is happening. I am keeping all the survivors in my prayers. May god keep you safe and healthy.
I so appreciate your compassion and you willingness to get the word out that there are many in need and so many avenues in which to help from prayer to monetary donation.
That picture is of the town I grew up in Long Beach, in the west end. My family members who still live there are unhurt our family homes were devastated much like the picture.
They along with all the others touched by this storm appreciate your efforts and your prayers.
I heard from friends that one town called a meeting to decide whether or not the town, now without sewer or water, should continue to exist. Other news of schools being closed until after the first of the year, no gas, grocery stores closed, etc. the list goes on. My church is raising funds to help assist, another community fire department was filling a semi truck full of donated food. We will continue to find ways to help. Thank you for posting the list.
Reblogged this on Visions By Samira and commented:
though this has absolutely nothing to do with photography, i feel like it needs to be heard or read by many…
My prayers go out to all of those who were touched by Sandy…
Thank you for asking for help.
we need more people like you in this world. No matter what people say, or what they write negative about who you are, and what you are doing..
you are doing a great deed for the people in need of help in all the disaster area. Thank you
Samaritan’s Purse is there helping. This is a great organization: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/hurricane_sandy/
I run an organization that make hats and blankets for disaster relief along with kids in hospitals. I’ve already donated to the red cross. Do any of you need blankets?
Reblogged this on marchoftheblanketeers's Blog and commented:
Please help us make blankets to keep the victims of hurricane sandy warm!
Reblogged this on marchoftheblanketeers's Blog and commented:
Please help us make blankets to keep the victims of hurricane sandy warm!
Wonderful post, thanks for the info
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