Santas For Jersey Shore Sandy Relief
December 13, 2012
Fundraising for this project is now closed. If you wish to follow the project, please "like" the page URL on Facebook below. http://www.facebook.com/SantasForSandyRelief
Dear Friends,
This picture shows the devastation in Ortley Beach after Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on the Jersey Shore (credit: 10/31/12 Andrew Mills/The Star-Ledger). A month has since passed and
people are still homeless, car-less, and searching for guidance in how to
start over.
Not able to stand watching people suffer anymore, I have decided that on December 19, Fenway the Dog and I will begin our drive cross-country to New Jersey. Here, we will spend six weeks assisting with the Hurricane Sandy rebuild and relief efforts along the Jersey Shore.
While I am working in concert with a NYC-based group called Occupy Sandy ( www.interoccupy.net ) on specific assignments for this duration, I have a personal mission as well. I wish to raise as much money as possible for folks who may be overwhelmed and/or overlooked in the bureaucratic process. Having volunteered in NYC after September 11th, I know first hand that despite best efforts, a disaster scene is just that: a disaster on a physical, as well as logistical and inter-agency level.
It is for this reason, I am requesting your contribution for those on the Jersey Shore who need the basics to start over. Tools, bedding, cleaning supplies, food. Especially around Christmas time, folks affected by Sandy will need support more than ever as the initial spike in donations will have declined.
Every cent of your contribution will go towards Home Depot, Lowes, Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Pathmark Supermarkets, or Mastercard/Visa gift cards. Before we leave, I will purchase all the gift cards (with the exception of Pathmark, which I will do once onsite in NJ). I will denote "From John Smith in San Francisco, CA" on each one (or if you'd prefer to remain anonymous, please let me know). Upon arrival on December 24, I will canvass affected areas, handing out these cards until they are exhausted. And as appropriate, I will request photos of the recipients with your contribution card so you can see the folks you're helping.
The deadline to donate is Noon PST December 13. If all you can afford is $5, that's awesome! If 10 people contribute
$5, there's a $50 card. Any amount is always appreciated. If
you have a preference (ie, a certain amount to a certain store, splitting between stores,
etc.), please feel free to note that to me. You can offer an amount not seen on the wish list as well ($25, $75, $150, etc.). Please feel free to contact me further at [adresse courriel retirée] with questions or ideas.
You are helping people who a month ago were living a life just like yours; but now need any assistance you can spare. Thank you in advance for any contribution you can make this holiday season.
-- Jen C.