The Rotary Club of Briarcliff Manor has made a cash donation to the Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts organized by Rotarians for victims in downtown Manhattan. The Club appeals to local residents to donate generously to these victims.
Rotarians in the areas worst effected by Sandy—Manhattan, Staten Island and eastern Long Island—promptly organized relief efforts to channelize assistance to those in need. The Wall Street Rotarians organized regular supply of food, water, clothing, blankets, hats, scarves and more. The items were delivered and then distributed directly to those who needed them. They are now involved in Phase Two recovery in two specific projects, including Bowery Mission and Nazareth Housing.
1 – Donation to support Bowery Mission Thanksgiving
After Sandy hit NYC, Bowery Mission used all their supplies to accommodate an increase to triple capacity at their shelter.
Rotarians raised funds to help them re-stock supplies for Thanksgiving meals and ensure that Thanksgiving meals could go on as usual this year. On November 20, Rotarians made a donation of $8,000 to Bowery Mission for this initiative.
2 – Fundraising for rebuilding projects at Nazareth Housing
During the flooding, Nazareth Housing lost two washer / dryer units, as well as all the mattresses & furniture from their furniture donation program. They are also supporting a community that is without heat for the majority of the winter.
Rotarians are supporting their immediate efforts of blanket & space heater delivery, as well as longer term replacement of the items they lost.
The five Rotary clubs in Staten Island have formed a 501(c)(3) tax-free foundation to convey 100% of all donations to families in need. In the true spirit of "Service Above Self"—the motto of Rotary International—Rotarians from various parts of the country—have been pitching in various capacities: manning food stations in various areas around Staten Island, and helping clean out and gut homes, for example. They organized collection of supplies from designated spots to be distributed to victims.
As relatively small victims of Sandy, we cannot but help being reminded, "There but for the grace of God go I." The Rotary Club of Briarcliff Manor encourages everyone to donate generously, whether in the form of money, time, or supplies. For further details, here are two websites of Rotarians organizing the relief efforts: http://statenislandrotaryrelief.com/ and wallstreetrotary.org.
