November 12th - Update #7

Volunteers and donations needed for Sandy clean up

How you can help:

1. Physical clean-up

Vision Long Island is organizing physical clean-up crews to assist local communities damaged by heavy flooding. We are targeting Saturday, November 17th for the first date.

Supplies needed for clean-up:

• industrial bags

• rakes

• shovels

• gloves

• masks

• heavy boots

Please let us know if you are available this Saturday for either a morning or afternoon shift by contacting info@visionlongisland.org or 631-804-9128.

2. Donate to communities that need your help

Long Beach

Long Beach suffered major damage from Sandy, the boardwalk has been torn up and sand washed onto streets and into homes and businesses. Sewer service has been restored, but some are still without power. In some areas water overran the bulkhead and flooded. In some areas the ocean met the bay. In addition to clean up crews, the following items are needed (No clothes other than those specified, please):

• underwear (packaged only)

• coats 

• batteries (AA, AAA and D)

• flashlights

• heavy duty garbage bags,

• toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo etc.)

• diapers (adult, newborn, size 5 and 6)

• baby wipes

• baby food

• cat and dog food

• blankets

• bins

• manual can openers

• water 

• dry goods (cereal, rice)

• rubber boots

• rain gear/ponchos

• cleaning supplies

• wheel barrels

• socks (packaged only)

• school supplies

Financial donations can be made online at longbeachny.gov or sent to City of Long Beach Relief, 1 West Chester St., Long Beach, NY 11561

Mastic Beach

Mastic Beach has coastal flooding in many areas in addition to many downed trees and power lines. One thousand homes were flooded and 500 are condemned. Many of the homes now have power, but are dealing with water damage and mold issues. Immediate food and clothing needs have been met, and the community is meeting to determine what additional long term needs the area has.

• Volunteers to go door-to-door to help with yard waste clean-up

• Toy drive

• Needs:

  • non perishables

  • blankets

  • toiletries

  • coats

  • cleaning supplies

  • adult diapers

  • infant and toddler diapers

  • Monetary donations can be made to William Floyd Summit PO Box 191 Mastic, NY 11950

Lindenhurst

In Lindenhurst over 2,000 families have been wiped out. Several families without insurance are completely devastated. At least 50 homes have been condemned so far. Much of the area south of Montauk Highway remains without electricity or gas. Clean up crews are going from house to house helping clean yards, but a sundown curfew remains in effect. The greatest needs within the community are for:

• sheet rock

• spackle

• tape

• paint (white)

• school supplies

• Fire Department supplies: Breathing apparati

Since many families do not have storage space for building supplies at this time, a gift card to Lowes or Home Depot can help them to get what they need as they need it.

For more information, email Tina Gallagher at tmg226@verizon.net.

Freeport

Many Freeport homes suffered wind and flood damage. Boats have been washed up into the streets. Many areas, particularly those further south, still do not have electricity and many homes were flooded above the level of their electrical panels causing additional damage. Donations can be brought to Village Hall 516-377-2329.

Island Park

Island Park suffered additional damage during the Nor'easter on top of what was damaged during Sandy. The island was hit with eight feet of water and many homes were destroyed.

Island Park Village Hall has been temporarily relocated into a trailer on the parking lot of 127 Long Beach Road.

For more information, contact James Ruzicki, Mayor, Village of Island Park at info@villageofislandpark.com.

3. Donations being accepted at the Smart Growth Summit this Friday through Island Harvest

Island Harvest is a local food bank that has been working tirelessly to bring relief to victims of Hurricane Sandy. As part of their efforts we are proud to announce that they will be collecting items to donate to those who need it the most.

Donated items should include:

• "Pop-top" cans of food

• Shelf Stable Milk

• Juice

• Water

• Low sodium canned vegetables

• Soups and Fruit

• Canned Meat

• Whole Wheat Pasta

• Cereal

• Nutritional Beverages (i.e. Boost & Ensure)

• Personal care items (i.e. cleaning supplies, everyday household items, diapers and other child care items)

Vision encourages you to bring as much as you can to the event!

The 2012 Smart Growth Summit:
“Rebuilding Long Island: Climate Change, Infrastructure
and our Downtowns”

Friday, November 16th
8:00am to 4:00pm - Melville Marriott

For more information and the full schedule for the Smart Growth Summit, please visit our website here.