When we send our children to college we worry for their safety.  Somehow, I don't think my son, or his roommate, thought for one moment that someday one of them would have to worry about his family.  But that's exactly what happened recently to a Salve Regina freshman from Rockaway Beach Queens, NY, who discovered after Hurricane Sandy had passed that his family would call him to tell him they were safe but that there home was gone. 

This story has played over and over for the families who live in this tight community.  It's not just water damage, it's the loss of every tangible thing they ever owned down to the walls and doors.

That is what Breezy Point and Rockaway Beach, New York look like after being devastated by Hurricane Sandy and the fires that overcame these neighborhoods when firefighters could not get to them because of the water - ash, water and more ash.  

Time is short and the need is great.  In response to the need, members of the FOP and FOPA are gathering items to help these families get through tough times.  We are looking for the items listed above to help them get through the upcoming winter months.  ALL DONATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE FOP LODGE AND THE MIDDLETOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM NOW UNTIL THE VANS AND TRAILERS HIT THE ROAD!

The donations will be packed up at the FOP Lodge in Middletown and will leave Aquidneck  Island by 8am on Saturday (11/10) to be taken directly to this neighborhood where it can do the most good.  In addition to donations, we need help with folks who have trucks and vans to help caravan the items to New York and people to help pack and unpack the goods. 

Items Needed

• Batteries of any size
• Blankets
• Winter coats
• Nonperishable food items (cans, boxes, pouches)
• Bottles of water
• Manual can openers
• Cleaning supplies (bleach, sponges, cleaning sprays, etc.)
• Toiletries
• Diapers
• New socks and underwear
• Hats, gloves, mittens, scarves

 Can you help us???? Contact me at cgeer@mpsri.net for more information.