Volunteer This Weekend!!

"Many of the groups who once had an abundance of people giving of their time are now struggling to find volunteers."   

So it has been 32 days since Sandy devastated the tri-state area.  Shopping for the holidays has begun, and Christmas decorations have started adorning houses.   Life has returned to normal for so many and we are thankful for that!  Lights have been turned on and gas is available.   The commute has returned to normal ...  well relatively!

Unfortunately so many people have not had their lives return to normal...  So much still needs to be done.  Please consider volunteering this weekend.  Many of the groups who once had an abundance of people giving of their time are now struggling to find volunteers.

Here is a list of wonderful organizations who have not stopped serving their communities!  Please remember to add to the comments any organizations that you know need volunteers... Thank you!!!   

This is a SHORT list of volunteer opps... PLEASE PLEASE see "The List" where you will be able to find many many MANY more opportunities volunteer! 

Many thanks for all who continue to share their time and energy...


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UPDATED VOLUNTEER LIST BY OCCUPY:

http://interoccupy.net/occupysandy/2012/11/22/sandy-volunteer-update-friday-112312/

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Guyon Rescue

They are looking for volunteers all weekend!  

http://www.facebook.com/guyonrescue2012


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 Rebuild Staten Island

meet at 927 Patterson Ave

http://www.facebook.com/RebuildStatenIsland?ref=ts&fref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/events/395393630538949/ 



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 We Love SI -  NEED VOLS!!

http://www.facebook.com/WeLoveSI



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Red Hook Initiative

http://rhicenter.org/tag/hurricane-relief/


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NJ Volunteer exchange

http://www.facebook.com/NJVolunteerExchange

STATEN ISLAND VOLUNTEER OPPS! UPDATED 11/18/12 7:30AM

STATEN ISLAND VOLUNTEER OPPS!  UPDATED 11/18/12 7:30AM

PLEASE bring with you work gloves, workboots, respirator masks!  Thank you!! 


http://www.facebook.com/events/116515541842874/

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Rebuild Staten Island Weekend Cleanup!
927 Patterson Ave SI, NY 10306

http://www.facebook.com/events/579468552082792/

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Tunnel to Towers Foundation
2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY
Updated Nov 16, 9pm
Details: NEEDS: Volunteer assignments include distro, door-to-door info gathering, help with hot food prep in the field, cleaning supplies, personal care, flashlights, batteries


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New Dorp High School
465 New Dorp Ln. Staten Island, NY 10306
Updated Nov 16, 9pm
Details: NEEDS: Volunteers, Cleaning Supplies, Warm Clothing, Flashlights, Batteries


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VFW Center / Guyon Rescue
575 Mill Rd Staten Island, NY 10306
Updated Nov 16, 9pm
Details: NEEDS: Demolition crews, generator, tables, chairs, some food, cleaning supplies, heavy duty extension cords to connect generators to multiple houses



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St. Margaret Mary Church School
1128 Olympia Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306
Updated Nov 16, 9pm
Details: NEEDS: Comms volunteers, demolition & canvassing crews, tools, cleaning supplies

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Oasis Christian Center
539 Greeley Ave. Staten Island, NY 10306
Updated Nov 16, 9pm
Details: NEEDS: Demolition crews, mops, masks, bleach, heavy duty sponges and gloves

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Movement Church / Brown Cross
95 Hett Ave. Staten Island, NY 10306
Updated Nov 16, 9pm
Details: NEEDS: Volunteers, vans, long range walkie talkies

The Beauty of Community

I am not going to lie, I was in a funk after Sandy. 

Hurricane Sandy Relief Operation-Vanessa

Writing, which I do every morning as  an exercise of release had not come so easily these days. 

When Sandy hit my area, without power, internet or phone service I was in a state of shock, zombie-like daze, disbelief from what I saw and heard happened in other parts of the state. Then, something inside me clicked and screamed in my head, “Reach out to your peeps and DO something.”

I CANNOT get through my day without my peeps!!!!

So, standing in the middle of the street (the only place where my cell had any service) I started making phone calls, emailing, tweeting, posting on FB, using my network as a lifeline of communication to the rest of the world...and I have to tell you...it solidified my belief in others and their willingness and ability to do good, be amazing, help...without expecting anything in return. 

Reaching out to my community through Bella, The Entrepreneurial Think Tank for Moms, It Is In All of Us, Savor the Success... you can see what happened in the slideshow.

Our work is not over and won’t be for a while but, the support to get NY and NJ back on their feet, continues to pour in. 

I am grateful to be back to writing and that my family is safe. May God continue to give us the strength and drive to support so many who have lost so much.

You can contribute to the relief efforts in several ways: 

Support  SI University Hospital Employees by purchasing a ticket to Bella's Winter Wonderland.

Donate to the Relief Fund for Sandy Victims, started by ETTM here.

Vanessa Coppes