Volunteers and donors beware!

 I am sure everyone is touched by the outpouring of donations and manual labor that our fellow Staten Islanders have contributed in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.  I have a word of caution however.  Yesterday I spent an hour scrambling for pet supplies to bring to Wagner High School because I received an alert from a pet rescue organization on facebook asking for “SOS” help for the animals temporarily displaced there.  Now, me being the animal fanatic that I am went tearing through my house for dog blankets, collars, leashes, etc.  I was so happy to be contributing to a cause that I believe so strongly in, (the welfare of animals).  When Frank and I got to the high school around 8:30pm, the lead staff there basically said thanks but no thanks, the animals did not need anything and were fine.  Took the wind right out of my sails!  Due to blog feedback, I wish to clarify, that I think there may have been a miscommunication.  I was informed through a social network that Susan Wagner needed "X" supplies as soon as possible for pets.  I went shortly after reading that announcement.  When I arrived at the high school, the volunteers, police officers and someone managing the animals told me that nothing was needed.  There was no mention of this organization scamming anyone on my part, (and I apologize if you feel that I did, clearly not my intention).  I felt misinformed, and no one at Susan Wagner could clarify for me either.  My whole basis for this blog entry is the fact that so many people are trying to help but efforts are becoming very unorganized and convoluted.  I respect any animal rescue organization for trying to help in any way that they can and I would wholeheartedly support them in any way I know how.  Myself and the media are hearing reports such as animals are being euthanized or morgues are being set up in intermediate schools that it is just very difficult to get the real story.  

There are, unfortunately, people who are using the relief and aid being supplied in unethical manners.  I work with a woman who comes from a very generous family.  She is constantly helping others less fortunate.  What she has been doing since the storm is getting text message alerts from a community liaison who forwards the needs of one particular household that was affected by sandy.  So, she has been collecting the items needed and delivering them to the specific house.  This is far more effective than just dropping items off at a huge donation center where the goods do not reach the people fast enough and are not organized. 

In this fashion my coworker has been delivering aid to people that need it the most.  However, there are always some rotten apples in the bunch.  One text gave her the address of someone and the list of items needed.  When she called and spoke to the woman, in addition to clothes the victim said she needed dog/cat and rabbit food.  Hmmm.  So my angelic coworker goes and buys everything, even the rabbit food and brings it to the victim’s house…who had a gardener in her front yard and zero damage to her property and who didn’t live in the flood zones.  My coworker just dropped the bags at her house and left.

Now, my co worker is wiser.  One of the next texts she gets comes from a woman who does live around New Dorp Beach (one of the more devastating areas) and she is requesting baby supplies and baby food.  When my coworker calls and asks what age the infant is and for a bit more background information, the “victim” says, “well the baby will not be here until December!”

CAN YOU IMAGINE! 

My class act coworker simply said I am sorry ma’am but these supplies are needed for children and families that are already here and are in dire need of items NOW.  My co worker said can you believe I was going to contribute to someone's baby shower?!  

I have two things to take away from this.  Do not become disillusioned because there are scammers and cheats out there.  The work you are doing and intentions you have are good.  There are still plenty of authentic people out there that can still use your help.  Two, use caution before committing yourself wholeheartedly to a task.  I was so dismayed after going to the high school and being turned away that it actually made me resent the staff there.  Do not let that happen!  Better your communication skills, ask who, what, when, where, and why.  Make the most of your volunteer efforts by weeding out nonsense like the scenarios above.  Most importantly, believe that the impact you had made a difference in someone’s life.  After all, that is what keeps hope alive.

The Good Samaritan

Hello everyone.  I hope everyone fared well after Hurricane Sandy hit.  I know some families have lost their homes and even loved ones, and my prayers and thoughts go out to them.  Cell phone service is still very shoddy, so the only way I have been getting in touch with people is by sporadic texting or facebook whenever power pops on. 

My sister, brother and I been driving around looking at all of the destruction after the storm.  We went to the beach by Miller Field on New Dorp Lane in Staten Island, NY, and found that the turf football field was gone, the turf was rolled up like a carpet on the side of the road; it was surreal.  We went walking on the beach and saw tons of home debris, from sneakers to children's highchairs to patio furniture.  The shoreline looked more like a ghostly yard sale.

We found a lot of personal belongings that I would like to get back to their owners, (since these people lost everything I am sure they would appreciate anything returned).  If you or anyone you know recognize any of the pictures I am posting or the valuables that I am speaking about, please message me immediately.  I will continue collecting anything I find on the beaches in the hopes that the owner will soon reclaim them.

I am not doing this for money and do not expect a reward.  I saw homes with boats crashed into them and I stood a roof of a house that was completely submerged under seaweed and debris.  I am completely devastated by the damages in Staten Island and my heart aches for the losses of my friends.  My family and I just want to help give something back to those who lost so much.  Please share this link with anyone you know on Staten Island. 

The first picture is a camera case we found washed up on the beach.  There are more articles in the bag, but I do not want to release the bag to anyone I am not 100% sure is the owner.  If you recognize it, please let me know what else is in the bag or what the bag flap says, (the brand).    This is a very expensive camera and has some film still in it, (I hope it did not get ruined it is completely waterlogged). 

 

 

I am not sure if this is super important to someone, but this is a New York State Department of Social Services Benefit ID Card.  The name on it is Helen Link, female, DOB 12/23/1904.  If anyone knows Helen I am happy to give her the card back; I did not include the bottom half of the card because there's access numbers on the bottom.

 

This is a picture of a red head woman sitting by a Christmas tree.

 

This net picture is of two young girls in what appears to be an airport with sports medals around their neck.  Maybe a traveling soccer team?

 

This is a graduation picture of a blonde girl walking off stage with her diploma in hand.  The picture shows balloons showing 2 0 0, I just cannot see the last number so Ia not sure what graduation year or school the picture is from. 

 

This picture was very damaged.  It looks like 3 people stating on some sort of monument.

 

This last picture looks like a prom or sweet 16 picture of a boy and girl.

    
I will continue to scavenge on the beaches for any other personal items.  Please help me return these to their owners!!

Thank you and stay safe!!