It’s been a week since Hurricane Sandy started making her way up the Northeast, and despite the valiant efforts of police, firefighters, and good old-fashioned volunteers, there is an unbelievable amount of clean-up and reconstruction that needs to be done.
This short film by fashion photographer and director Poppy de Villeneuve gives a sobering view of conditions in the Rockaways, a beach community in Queens (and one of my favorite places in New York):
There are so many neighborhoods that need our help, and sadly, so many impediments to getting there. But if you’re able to volunteer, check out Occupy Sandy’s website for real-time updates of when and where volunteers are needed—and fill out an easy-peasy volunteer form while you’re at it!
If you’re unable to volunteer in person, you can still help with recovery efforts by donating supplies. Check out our handy how-to for donating: whether you’re in New York, New Jersey, or New Mexico, you can still send much-needed items directly to the ‘hoods that need it.
Please remember that all of these shopping lists and drop-off times are subject to change depending on need–it’s advisable to contact these centers before heading over with truckloads o’ goodies.
DONATING IN MANHATTAN
Hudson Station Bar & Grill 440 9th Ave (at 35th St.) New York, NY 10001
Drop off : 11:00am-10:00pm every day
Stuff needed: Cold-weather clothes (jackets, thick socks, scarves, gloves, blankets), general first-aid supplies (children’s cold meds, Tylenol, Advil, Tums, bandages, antibacterial lotion, etc.), and clean-up necessities (work gloves, batteries, flashlights, contractor bags, masks, and other cleaning supplies)
DONATING IN BROOKLYN
Malin Landaeus Vintage 155 N. 6th St. (at Bedford Ave.) Brooklyn, NY 11211
Check out the shop’s Facebook page for an oft-updated list of items to bring and when to bring ‘em.
Film Biz Recycling 540 President St. (at 3rd Ave.) Brooklyn, NY 11215
Drop off: Monday-Friday 10:30-6:30, weekends 12:30-6:30
Stuff needed (most critical in bold): Non-perishable food, easy to eat fresh food (apples, pears, etc), ice (to help keep food and meds cool), water, batteries, flashlights, candles, financial donations, blankets, bread, large contractor/garbage bags, cleaning supplies, towels, walkie-talkies (cell phone service is not happening in many areas), peanut butter, juice, laundry detergent, Pull-Ups, brooms and mops, toothpaste, bath soap, paper towels, flashlights, AAA batteries, Ziploc bags, feminine products, and pet food
DONATING IN STATEN ISLAND
Unitarian Church of Staten Island 312 Fillmore St. Staten Island, NY 10301
Call (718) 447-2204 to ask what to donate and when to drop it off.
DONATING IN QUEENS
Leni (Occupy volunteer) 23-74 38th St. (at 24th Ave.) Astoria, NY 11105
Drop off: Anytime before 7:00 PM; call (646) 296-0070
Stuff needed: Blankets, candles, flashlights, lights, water, food, batteries, diapers and wipes, gloves and masks, rubber boots, shovels, cleaning supplies and bleach, trash bags, serving dishes and utensils, anything that produces heat, winter wear (jackets, hats, gloves, warm stuff)
HOW TO DONATE FROM OUT OF TOWN
As moms (and babysitters) know, babies and small children require a lot of, well, stuff. And luckily, for those of who you’d like to mail in donations, that stuff tends to be pretty small and mail-able. Help out caregivers in Brooklyn and Queens by sending baby items—diapers, Pull-Ups, formula, bottles, diaper rash cream, baby powder, baby lotion, fresh onesies, etc.—to this awesome firefighter:
FF Chris McSorley – Diaper, Formula, and Baby Health Drive Engine 234 Ladder 123, 1352 St. John’s Place, Brooklyn, NY 11213
Thanks to Every Mother Counts for passing this along!
The Jersey Shore suffered some major, major damage as a result of the storm—and because it’s not directly accessible by public transportation, it’s hard for non-residents to get to the places that need help and supplies. Enter the Occupy Sandy NJ Wedding Registry! Click through to send critical supplies to a donation center in Jersey City.
These are, of course, just a few of the many efforts that are happening in response. Though dealing with Sandy’s aftermath will be vastly more complex than cleaning up after a football game (UGH FACEPALM), I’m confident that all us tough-ass Northeasterners will help each other through. All of us at BUST send lots of love to those affected by the storm.
Photo and video via youtube.com
