SCREW SANDY!
We are proud Staten Island residents and former high school acquaintances brought together by the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Through our volunteer efforts over the last week, we've visited the front lines in our hometown and seen the devastation first hand. We've met countless families that lost memories, cars, homes, and even neighbors and loved ones. Thankfully, they haven't lost their fighting Staten Island spirit.
After seeing our
pictures and continuous updates on Facebook, many caring, generous people have
offered support. They've asked how they can help in a way that bypasses the
potential "red tape" typically encountered with larger organizations.
Many offered to donate directly to us so that we could then provide that
support where it's needed most. It was those offers and the surviving SI spirit
that sparked the idea for SCREW SANDY!
Screw Sandy is referral-based, grassroots fundraising page. Chances are you've found us through word of mouth, be it literal or via social media. By donating here, 100% of your proceeds will go to fund the victims of the Hurricane (excluding funds taken by GOFUNDME.com and either WEPAY or PAYPAL). And with virtually no overhead, your dollars will go as far as possible "” meaning directly to those in need. We have been a trusted source of information for friends and fellow volunteers throughout this process, particularly on FACEBOOK via Staten Island Sandy Outreach.
We are intent on providing complete transparency by posting pictures and
updates as donations are put to good use. Your funds will alleviate proverbial
roadblocks we've encountered thus far, such as requests for items that are not
immediately available at even the largest relief drop sites. Requests are
changing as needs are changing. They're made in real time on SI Sandy Outreach and
other sites. With your help, we can address them in real time so they're
alleviated as efficiently as possible.
Your funds will be
used to purchase any/all of the following:
SUPPLIES FOR CLEANUP
& REBUILDING
GIFT CARDS FOR
IMPACTED FAMILIES
ONE-OFF ITEMS FOR
FAMILIES IN NEED (e.g., stroller for expectant mother)
FOOD, CLOTHING,
SHELTER FOR FAMILIES IN NEED
SCHOOL SUPPLIES/TOYS FOR KIDS/SCHOOLS IMPACTED
HOLIDAY MEAL DROPS
ANYTHING UNDER THE
UMBRELLA OF SANDY RELIEF EFFORTS
THE SCREW
SANDY TEAM thanks YOU in advance for your trust, compassion, and
commitment to moving our mission forward. WHO
WE ARE: We're good eggs... promise!
Laura Gotlin-Mayes"” Business owner/child safety enthusiast, Over The Moon Baby Services. Native Staten Island resident currently living in Silver Lake with husband Nick. Graduate of Port Richmond HS.
My family and I were very fortunate during Hurricane Sandy. We experienced minor inconveniences in comparison to what so many others have endured, and continue to endure. I felt incredibly grateful and yet so saddened for Staten Islanders who weren't as lucky. My passion for helping others in this trying time ultimately led to the creation of the Facebook group, Staten Island Sandy Outreach.
My goal for this page was to identify and connect survivors in need with volunteers, businesses, and other organizations eager to help. I'm proud to say, over 2,000 members later, we've made many connections and have helped numerous individuals, families, and businesses. Through the compassion and diligent efforts of our members, we've been able to address specific requests and link them with available resources and outreach.
This group is not just here for the short-term. The devastation of Sandy will continue to negatively impact those affected for years to come and we will continue to support them in any way we can. If you're looking for a way to help, look no further.
Alexandra Jardine-Minichino "” Mother of 3, Analyst for the Department Of Homeland Security, currently living on the North Shore. Graduate of Port Richmond HS.
My family moved to Staten Island when I was eight years old. I've lived all over this tight-knit borough and have never experienced devastation like Sandy. Two days after the hurricane hit, I finally was able to turn on the news and see how bad it all was. I've been to Iraq, and sadly, the sights here on Staten Island reminded me of that experience. I never thought I'd see this area looking like a war zone.
Through social media, I connected with Sabrina, a high school acquaintance I now consider a good friend. We loaded up my truck with supplies at the Miller Field drop-off site and headed to areas others had forgotten or not reached yet in New Dorp and Midland Beach. With the help of other volunteers we picked up along the way, we went door-to-door, block after block, attempting to fill hands and hearts with whatever we could offer. Please join our efforts to rebuild the communities torn apart by this tragedy. We have seen people come together and that needs to continue so these survivors can fully rebuild their homes, their business, and their lives.
Sabrina Cohen "” Business
owner/writer/brand consultant at WORD-OLOGY, blogger at littlemissMOJO!.
Lifetime New Springville resident and graduate of Port Richmond HS.
After Hurricane Sandy struck, I was heartbroken to see that some of the worst of the devastation occurred just minutes from my own home. Watching the death toll rise here was
absolutely horrifying. We were extremely lucky, having only lost power for about 2 hours after the storm had already passed.
Working alongside
Alex, Laura, and countless others has been truly amazing. Laura has been an
absolute beacon for so many, posting a steady stream of updates all
day, every day on her SI Sandy Outreach page
on Facebook. She's connected and informed countless Staten Islanders on
everything from gas stations and donation sites to cleanup teams and animal
rescue. Laura has not only been resourceful online, she continues to go out
into the streets delivering supplies and information to those in
need. Only one word can sum up Alex, my new friend and proud
mother of three "” SHERO!
It's been overwhelming
to witness the outpouring of generosity and compassion in the wake of this
storm. Staten Island's heart is strong and its residents are out in full force
doing their best to make sure their neighbors are being taken care of.
Survivors of the storm are beyond grateful for the continued support. Their
strength is so inspiring, but this is just the beginning. There is still
so much work to be done and we need your help.
Again, THE SCREW SANDY TEAM wishes to thank you in advance for your trust, compassion and commitment to moving our mission forward!