Roosevelt Island One Year After Hurricane Sandy - And Update On Roosevelt Island Volunteers Relief Efforts For Rockaways Head Start Program

Image of Hurricane Sandy Flooding Roosevelt Island West Promenade From Brian Dorfmann

It's been a year since Hurricane Sandy devastated many sections of New York City. Fortunately, compared to others, Roosevelt Island

Image of Hurricane Sandy Roosevelt Island Flooding From Brian Dorfmann

was not badly damaged from Hurricane Sandy other than the loss of power at the Octagon
 

Image Of Powerless Octagon Building During Hurricane Sandy From Olivia Rios

and Coler Hospital which resulted in the evacuation of some Coler patients.

Image of Patients Evacuated From Coler Hospital By Judy Berdy

As reported last December 2:

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez (who resigned effective December 21) updated the November 29 meeting of the RIOC Board Operations Committee on damage suffered by Roosevelt Island from Hurricane Sandy.

Mr. Fernandez repeated his earlier report to the Operations Committee that Lighthouse Park was severely damaged with the pedestrian bridges washed away and light poles damaged requiring the park to be closed for an indefinite period of time.

Mr. Martinez added that there was additional damage to the Cultural Center that had some of its windows blown out and significant soil erosion damage to Southpoint Park seawall area.  ...

Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park Under Water From Hurricane Sandy Via Kate Williams Tweet

One year later, most of Lighthouse Park is open except for the area from the washed away pedestrian bridges north to the Island tip.

RIOC still has not replaced the washed away bridges nor has the Cultural Center reopened.

A few days after Hurricane Sandy, Roosevelt Island residents pitched in to help our fellow New Yorkers living in neighborhoods that were severely damaged by the storm. Among those efforts were providing and delivering supplies to the Community and Family Head Start Program in the Rockaways section of Queens.

 Roosevelt Island Rockaway Donation mage From Olya Turcihin

I guy gave us a coat off of his back to bringtoday.... gotta love @rooseveltisland er's @meeralitatandon #Sandyaid twitter.com/TDaneNYC/statu…
— Trevis Dane Wimer (@TDaneNYC) November 19, 2012

Roosevelt Island Rockaway Donation Image From Cynthia Cummings

Roosevelt Island resident Karine Wong led the efforts to help out the Head Start Program in the Rockaways.

 Image From Karine Wong

Ms. Wong sends us this update one year later:

A year ago, the Roosevelt Island community answered my call to help 110 kids and their families and they should know that their contributions had a really big impact few miles away from here.

Saturday we went to a re-opening celebration at the Community Parents Head Start School out in the east end of the Rockaways.

Like our entire involvement, what we found was not what we thought would be there;

We figured we would find the school repaired, painted, all shiny and new. We did but there was a lot more there to see and we were fortunate to have been given a brief glimpse of what has been accomplished.

We learned that the Bank Street College for Teachers has developed a curriculum called the Teddy Bear method. We learned that the process used is a home based model. We learned that the teachers thought at the beginning that they would be teaching more than learning.

All these things adding up to the fact that the community has taken the opportunity to take advantage of the misfortunes that arrived with the hurricane to bring neighbors together and to build a stronger and better community.

We were provided some insight how the Teddy Bears help the children at the school to communicate the things that they experienced and felt through and after the hurricane. For many it is not until months later that they could explain how terrified they were and how the storm had changed their lives. Through the process the teachers all learned about themselves, their students and the families of the students. The head of curriculum barely holding together through her explanation, many of the audience growing emotional at the telling of the story and how it has changed the lives of the children and their community.

In the end we learned that the months of support the Roosevelt Island community provided to this community out at the eastern end of the Rockaway peninsula had a lasting effect. The road to recovery is certainly slow. The message that they wanted everyone to hear was that they are thankful to the Roosevelt Island community for reaching out and sticking with them through those difficult times. They wanted to say thank you. Also to say so much more than words can express as shown in the words and artwork the children are creating.

Here’s to the ripple effect of hope and support that will continue for years to come and outlast the receding water and memories of that storm a year ago.

More here on Roosevelt Island residents helping out the Rockaways.

Roosevelt Island Continues To Help Rockaway Victims Of Hurricane Sandy - Please Vote For Far Rockaway Scholars Academy To Receive Assistance Repairing School Theater

Roosevelt Island residents have helped to provide relief for other New Yorkers recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.

 Image of Roosevelt Islanders Collecting Donations For Rockaways  From Olya Turcihin

As previously reported:

• Karine Wong organized a group that provided relief supplies to the Community and Family Head Start School in the Rockaways and
•  Romano Reid, together with the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) and NY State Senator Jose Serrano organized the delivery and serving of hot meals to the Howard Beach community.

Image Of Serrano/Addabo/RIRA Hurricane Sandy Howard Beach Relief Efforts From Romano Reid

Here's another chance for Roosevelt Islanders to help out those New Yorkers still needing assistance from Hurricane Sandy and it only requires a click from your mouse.

Roosevelt Island resident Margie Smith reports on how you can help the Scholars Academy School in Far Rockawy:

I'm sending this to ask you to cast your vote for a school in the Rockaway that was damaged in Sandy.  Lowe's Corporation is helping schools improve their theaters and they're choosing which schools to help based on who gets the highest number of votes

CNN reported last December on Hurricane Sandy damage to the Rockaways Scholars Academy.

According to Make A Musical:

Smash, Lowe’s and iTheatrics have partnered to help schools across America improve their theaters. Up to 30 schools will be selected as finalists, the five schools earning the top votes will receive gift cards from Lowe’s to help improve their theaters. Vote for your favorite School!

Click here to support NYC's Scholars Academy in Far Rockaway and then scroll down to the third line from the bottom and vote.

It is unfortunate that contests with needy schools competing against each other are necessary in order for such repairs to be made.

Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy Donations To Rockaways Head Start School Continue Sunday January 6 From 8-9 AM In Front Of PS/IS 217 - Also Update On Giving Tree Gifts

Here's the latest update on efforts of Roosevelt Island residents

 Image of Roosevelt Islanders Collecting Donations For Rockaways  From Olya Turcihin

 
to donate and deliver supplies to the Community and Family Head Start School

Image From Isa Abdul

in the Rockaways devastated by Hurricane Sandy.  According to Karine Wong, who organized Roosevelt Island Hurricane donations and deliveries

Image of Roosevelt Island Donations Being Delivered to Rockaways From Isa Abdul

to the Rockaway:

Hi Everyone! This Sunday we will be accepting:

SCHOOL SUPPLIES (Crayons; Washable Markers; Glue sticks; Color construction paper; Pencils;Erasers; Scotch Tape; Paper; Age appropriate kid's books for the Library (2-5 years old); paper towels; Wipes; Ziploc bags; Staples gift cards etc)

NON PERISHABLE FOOD only.
No clothes please.

The usual time and place: 8:00am - 9:00am Sunday in front of the school (PS 217). See you there!

Ms. Wong also provides this December 27 update on the Roosevelt Island Giving Tree 

 Image From Karine Wong

gift donations:

Just delivered the last of the gifts to our Rockaway Family! These will be distributed for their Annual Three King's Day Celebration!

Thank you so much to everyone that took the time to purchase, Wrap and deliver to the Giving Tree! I know many that came from Off the Island and I must say, words cannot express the gratitude!!

The children were over the moon with their gifts!! We collected enough For every single child enrolled AND their siblings!!! Thank you one and all!!

More on Roosevelt Island volunteer donations to the Rockaways Community and Family Head Start School as well as the Giving Tree from previous posts.

Update On Roosevelt Island Giving Tree To Children Of Rockaways Community And Family Head Start Program - Presents Delivered And Thanks Received

Kai and Alex (Trellis Owners) In Front of Roosevelt Island Giving Tree At Trellis Restaurant via Karine Wong

Received update last Monday from Karine Wong, who organized Roosevelt Island relief donation and deliveries to Rockaways Community and Family Head Start School, on the Roosevelt Island Giving Tree.

Hi everybody,

As you may know we went to the Rockaways this morning to deliver all your wonderful presents. LOTS of them.

Images From Karine Wong

The principal and the staff of the school were just amazed and touched by the amount of bags and could not find words to thank us enough.

Images From Karine Wong

We agreed that they should be the ones distributing the presents to the kids and the teachers (yes we had presents for the teachers too) and they will send us photos to share with you. The principal's husband have been Santa Claus for few years now and will be again this year on our behalf.

We felt it was right not to disrupt their "routine" and thanked them on your behalf for allowing us to be part of their family.

The emotion was very high as we entered the school and walked the hallways where the little guys were sitting, reading and singing.

Hard for us not to think about what happened just few days ago in Newton in a school just like this one.

None of us could explain or put into words the feeling we all had at that particular moment and we decided to simply enjoy the moment and hug each other.

They offered to give us a tour of their first floor totally closed to the kids because of the flood and the growing mold. We can still see on the wall how high the water was. A few tables are sitting there with all the donations or I should say what's left of all your donations.

Images From Karine Wong

Families are still coming on the daily basis to pick up supplies or clothes.

2 classes have been completely closed on that floor meaning 40 kids are not able to come to school still and teachers are going from home to home to teach them.

At present, the school has made a priority of serving kids with special needs first and hopes to be able to rebuild and fix the first floor as soon as possible so all the kids can come back. It will take time effort and money.

We are hoping to share with you very shortly the smiles and the happy faces but also more news about how we intend to keep going with our project and help this school to get back on its feet. Keep in mind that this school MUST reopen fully in order for these kids to come back and for moms and dads to keep their jobs. It's like a domino effect and we are playing a very big part in this "game".

Ms Wong adds:

The school is partially open and running – serving about half of the children in need. There are some significant hurdles to overcome to get the school back into full operation. The school administration is trying to get the mold remediation done as fast as possible so that occupancy of the full building can take place.

Once that happens the long process of rebuilding the infrastructure starts. The school lost all of its infrastructure, phones, computers, office systems, offices, office equipment, desks, chairs…everything. There is partial telephone service (they can call out but others cannot call in), There are 2 classrooms functioning and some level of offices open. All the building supplies were lost, all the classroom supplies were lost, most of the class room infrastructure has been lost.

The school will close for the holidays at the end of this week. They will reopen after the new year.

We are compiling a list with the help of the school and some experts in early childhood development and education of the tools, toys and supplies that will help the school get back into full function.

We will not make another delivery until after the new year. We will make the regular Sunday collection once we get the list published – so please stay tuned and watch out for the notice.

Please have a happy and safe holiday and we look forward to the continuation of your efforts with the goal or re-supplying the school and getting them one step closer to full service and function as soon as possible.

and:

There will be NO collection this coming sunday since the school will be closed for the Holidays. Keep checking our FB page (https://www.facebook.com/RooseveltIslandCommunity) and your emails for the next one right after the break.

As for the Giving Tree please keep bringing your presents to Trellis.
THANK YOU.

More on Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy relief efforts to the Rockaways from previous posts.

Roosevelt Island Giving Tree For The Children Of Rockaway Community and Family Head Start School At Trellis Restaurant - Help Make A Happier Christmas and Holiday Season For Some Children

Have you heard about the Roosevelt Island Giving Tree for the Children of the Rockaways at the Trellis restaurant?

@rooseveltisland #SandyAid Giving Tree for the Children of the #Rockaways Toy Drive!!! facebook.com/events/5604390… #XMas twitter.com/TDaneNYC/statu…
— Trevis Dane Wimer (@TDaneNYC) December 11, 2012

Karine Wong, who organized Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy donations and deliveries to the Rockaway, explains:

THE GIVING TREE STORY:
As the holiday season is upon us, let us stop to reflect and be thankful for all that we have.

We are so very fortunate to live in a community that cares so much. As is witnessed on a weekly basis, with your donations and giving hearts.

Join us as we celebrate the Giving Tree.

Image From Karine Wong

We have been reaching out to the Community and Family Headstart Program in Far Rockaway. They service 3 to 5-year-old children and their families. Some are special-needs and all have been deeply affected by Hurricane Sandy.

At this time we would ask our loving community to buy an extra gift while you are out and about doing your holiday shopping. Can you spend an extra $10-$15 to buy a gift for a young boy or girl? If so, come by the Trellis at any time and pick an ornament from the Giving Tree!

Image From Karine Wong

The ornaments will have a description of a child, boy or girl ages 2 to 4, 4 to 6, etc. After purchasing the gift, wrap it up and place the tag back on the package so we know who to deliver it to!

Image From Karine Wong

We ask that you bring your donations back to the Trellis and place it under the tree and we will collect it just before our delivery on December 24th.

We wish you all a most wonderful holiday season!

Please note that you do not have to come into the Trellis to eat and/ or drink. The tree will be there through the season and all you need do is pop in, snag a tag and be on your way! However, if you have a moment, why not sit a spell for a cup of hot cocoa or some soup to warm your bones! The Trellis has been VERY generous to us as we make our weekly collections!

Again, Happy Holidays and Thank You for all you have done and continue to do! 

Ms. Wong adds:

We are really lacking 3-5 years old presents boys and girls and we have 120 of them to cover.

We will be delivering the presents on monday morning before the school closes for the winter break

Anyhow we will still collect until the 24 so anything coming after monday will be given to the siblings

More on Roosevelt Island volunteer donations to the Rockaways Community and Family Head Start School from previous posts. Donation collections continue every Sunday morning between 8-9 AM in front of PS/IS 217 for delivery to the Rockaways on Monday.

Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy Donations To Rockaways Head Start School Continue Sunday December 9 From 8-9 AM In Front Of PS/IS 217 - Laundry Detergent, Heaters, Housewares, Dishes Among Items Most Needed This Week

 Image of Roosevelt Islanders Collecting Donations For Rockaways  From Olya Turcihin

Here's the latest update on efforts of Roosevelt Island residents to donate and deliver supplies to the Community and Family Head Start School in the Rockaways devastated by Hurricane Sandy.  According to Karine Wong, who organized Roosevelt Island Hurricane donations and deliveries to the Rockaway:

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to remind you about our next Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy collection this coming Sunday December 9 From 8-9 AM In Front Of PS/IS 217.

The list is basically the same as last week since the families are still cleaning up their homes.

Food (always),
Laundry detergent,
Heaters,
Housewares,
Dishes,
Pots,
Cutlery,
Place mats,
glasses/mugs among Items Most Needed, but of course anything you feel like donating is greatly appreciated.

I just got an email from someone donating his own laptop... this is one email among many....

Please come and contribute – bring what you can – if you haven’t got what they need – the 16 passenger van does use up a lot of gas – so you could contribute there… See you Sunday and don't forget to enjoy the holiday season!

Roosevelt Island resident Nina Lubin reported last week:

I will stop by tomorrow morning with a cash donation towards gas for the van, and a check for the Head Start Program.

I have been affiliated for 30 years with many of NYC's Head Start programs and know many of the hard working Directors. Recent changes by the city to the way Early Childhood services are delivered have wreaked havoc for child cares, Head Starts and other programs. Programs in Red Hook, Coney Island, Staten Island and the Rockaways have been hard hit by both Administration For Children's Services (ACS) and Sandy.

I have known Cynthia for over 20 years and she is one of my heroes. Our Island could not have found a better partner to work with on behalf of low-income families and children at risk or with special needs.

Few Early Childhood leaders work harder than she does on behalf of families and her staff -- they deserve our support.

Roosevelt Island Volunteers And Food Donations Requested For December 15 Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts In The Rockaways - Hot Meal Initiative Sponsored By RIRA And State Senator Jose Serrano

Image From State Senator Jose Serrano

Received the following request from Roosevelt Island's State Senator Jose Serrano's office:

Senator Serrano and the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) are co-sponsoring a Hurricane Sandy relief event in the Rockaways. The devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy has left many communities in New York still in need of resources. Senator Joseph Addabbo, who represents the Rockaways, has identified an area hit particularly hard by the storm, with an ongoing need for hot meals.

Please consider joining us for the day or donating food that can be served as part of a hot meal. On the day of the event, volunteers will be driven from the Church of the Good Shepherd on Roosevelt Island to St. Camille's Church in Rockaway Park. Upon arriving in the Rockaways, volunteers will be joined by the Office of Senator Addabbo to distribute hot meals to members of the Rockaway community.

To register as a volunteer or make a donation of food or supplies, please contact Justin T. Rush at 212-828-5829 or email jrush.nys@gmail.com.

State Senator Serrano's representative Justin Rush spoke to the December Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) about the Rockaway Hurricane Sandy Hot Meals effort. Here's what he had to say



and an example of other volunteer efforts to provide hot food for Hurricane Sandy residents in the Rockaways. This is from Occupy Cooks for Sandy Victims.



More on Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy relief efforts from this post describing assistance brought to Rockaway's Community and Family Head Start School.

Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy Donations To Rockaways Head Start School Continue Sunday December 2 From 8-9 AM In Front Of PS/IS 217 - Laundry Detergent, Heaters, Housewares, Dishes Among Items Most Needed This Week

 Image of Roosevelt Islanders Collecting Donations For Rockaways  From Olya Turcihin

Here's the latest update on efforts of Roosevelt Island residents to donate and deliver supplies to the Community and Family Head Start School in the Rockaways devastated by Hurricane Sandy.  According to Karine Wong, who organized Roosevelt Island Hurricane donations and deliveries to the Rockaway:

Hi everyone,

We received some news from the Head Start School. The big news is that they will open next week for 2 classrooms of kids. 2nd floor approved by the Dept of Health to reopen! Plan is to transition children of highest need back to classrooms.

Just so you know what they are dealing with the priority list looks like this;

Children who are receiving special needs services
Children receiving related services (speech/ language, play therapy)
Children who receive SEIT services
Children who are in the process of an evaluation for services
Children who are homeless/doubled up families
Children who have siblings in the program

Here is what they really really need – as people are starting to try and put some sense of normalcy back into their lives;

Laundry detergent
Heaters (many homes have electricity but not heat still!)
Houseware Yes!!
Dishes
Pots
Cutlery
Place mats
glasses/mugs

We will collect at the same time and location – Sunday morning 8 – 9am across the street from PS217. We will deliver at the same place, time and location – Community Parents Head Start School – Monday morning. Join in if you can.

Please come and contribute – bring what the need – if you haven’t got what they need – the 16 passenger van does use up a lot of gas – so you could contribute there…

Don't forget to "Like" our page: https://www.facebook.com/RooseveltIslandCommunity

See you Sunday!

PS: many of you have asked if we could put "a face" on Cynthia's name. Here she is on the left with short hair and white turtleneck with her amazing staff and your donations in the background.

Cynthia Cummings is the Executive Director of the Community and Family Head Start School.

Roosevelt Island Residents Continue To Bring Assistance To Rockaways Head Start School Damaged By Hurricane Sandy - Improvements Starting To Be Seen

Image of Roosevelt Island Donations Being Delivered to Rockaways From Isa Abdul

Here's the latest update on efforts of Roosevelt Island residents to donate and deliver supplies to people living in the Rockaways devastated by Hurricane Sandy.  As in previous weeks, donations are collected in front of PS/IS 217 Sunday mornings

Image From Karine Wong

and delivered to the Community and Family Head Start program

Image From Isa Abdul

on Monday. Karine Wong, who organized Roosevelt Island Hurricane donations and deliveries to the Rockaway, sends the following update yesterday:

For the Roosevelt Island community that has been participating in support of the Community Parents Head Start program in the Rockaways.

Just wanted to let everyone know a few things;

The kids will be back in school next week. A significant step in the community as you might imagine.

Sunday collection has been terrific.

Image From Karine Wong

Monday distribution has been even better.

This plan will be changing soon because the school hopes to be in session. We are trying to confirm what will work for the school in terms of dropping off collected materials. We believe that we will continue to drop off on Mondays. We do know that this is only the beginning of change and improvement, let us continue to find the focus and continue our efforts through these trying times.

The specific lists of things are really important, please remember to help with a purpose and follow the guidelines. It isn’t of course an opportunity to empty out closets.

People have recognized that this process has made an impact at the school and in the community around the school. The school community now refers to the Roosevelt Island community as their Roosevelt Island Family.

We know that there are families who are warmer and a bit less hungry from our efforts. We know that the school is getting cleaned up and that life is starting to move along again in the neighborhood. We know that a community wondering how they were going to make it to the next week is starting to try and figure out what might lie beyond. Perhaps a sliver of hope is a biggest gift.

Here is something that no one would have ever guessed would happen, the community with less need is gaining in unimaginable ways. Many people from all over Roosevelt Island have come each week and brought something. Each time they drop something off, they get a little news from the Rockaways and they know that in a very isolated and small way they have made a difference.

Image From Karine Wong

We have had people come from all over, walking by, stopping in cars, by coincidence, planned all week, just because…we have had people tell us that they are bringing us clothes held and cherished, from loved ones lost, but given because they knew that someone in the Rockaways needed to be warmer and the ones lost would have wanted to help. We have had people bring toys and books, lots of books, and one bear from a child who's now a mother, to help keep a child who had lost everything in their world company.

Through all of these gifts the people on both sides benefit. The recipient knows that someone cares. The provider knows that they can make some small change. Everyone gains in the knowledge that people care and that hope can exist. Everyone gains knowing that a difference can be made and that lives can move on. Nothing forgotten, everyone is better for the effort and as a result the world can be a better place with efforts like these.

Please stay tuned as this situation develops and we find out what these children and their families really need to keep on the path of moving on. Please stay tuned and know that your efforts have made the world a little bit better and someone on the other end really does appreciate what you have done.

Isa Abdul and her family offered to be our "elves" this week and went to the Rockaways this morning to deliver all your "goodies" to our families in need. See their photos attached and the note I just received from Isa.

A big thank you to them.

We will meet again next sunday between 8 and 9 am in front of PS 217.

Hi Karine!

Today went well. We zipped in and as usual, the employees (including contractors that were working to renovate the school for use). It was wonderful to see that the school now has power

 Image From Isa Abdul

and so much has been done in the area. They are busily cleaning and getting ready for the children that will be heading their way by Monday!

If you recall, a few short weeks ago, we drove down and through some of the side streets just near the school and saw the disaster that was all around. As we drove to the school, we watched bulldozers,

Image From Isa Abdul

backhoes and other heavy equipment carrying things off. Now, while the area still has quite a long road ahead of them, there is a semblance of order. Much of the debris that was scattered in front of many homes

Image From Isa Abdul

and lining the sidewalks/streets of Beach Channel Drive has been carted away. The presence of the National Guard has been replaced by various Electric Company trucks from far and wide! We saw trucks from nearby Rhode Island and not so nearby Florida ~ the workers were busily working to restore electricity to this hard hit area! It was very noticeable as so many traffic lights were brightly lit and even some of the businesses were up and running!

Sadly, though there are many businesses still suffering, their gates tightly shut, their future bleak. It is because of this that we stopped for lunch in the area. Trying to do our share for the area's economy. Granted, our $30 lunch is but a small drop in the bucket. While lunching, we saw FEMA workers and struck up a conversation. We talked about how far the area has come and how much more work there is ahead. As we all know, the area is mixed and many people are lower to mid income families. So many of the poor will receive assistance, however, the middle class is hardest hit. These people may not necessarily be insured, but do have a little savings stashed away for a rainy day, but nothing could have prepared them for the SUPERSTORM known as Sandy. These are the people that many of the FEMA workers are watching out for so they do not get 'lost' in the shuffle. It was nice to see some of the people in a relaxed setting. But within a short time, they were gathering up their things and heading off.

Anyway, we took a few photos ~ I have some from the trip you and I took and then today; it is striking how much has been done but one need just look across the street to see that there is still so much to do! It is an honor to deliver things to our Rockaway Family on behalf of our Roosevelt Island Family!!!

Image From Isa Abdul

Serena Thurston (Cynthia's Asst Director) gladly accepted all the items we delivered

Image From Isa Abdul

and promised to assess the needs of the community and advise Cynthia of said needs to be relayed to us. It was wonderful to see some people approach us as we unloaded and gratefully pick up a bottle of bleach, a mop, a broom and hurry off to continue cleaning their "palace". I KNOW we are making a difference! It is so wonderful to see!

Cynthia Cummings, the Executive Director of Community and Family Head Start in the Rockaways adds:

What a lovely description of Isa's visit today to document our progress. I guess being in the midst of everything my perception of progress is not clearly seen through my lens but it is good to know that it is viewed by others who come to visit. I am working hard to get the second floor inspected and approved by The Dept of Health so we can reopen the 4 classrooms. With that accomplished, I am simultaneously working on an alternative site with a kitchen to prepare the meals for the children when they return.

The renovations on the first floor will take some time but much has been accomplished in a short period. I am so grateful for my extended Roosevelt Island family that has shown unconditional support and love for us. Please extend my thanks to all- Cynthia

Here's how the Roosevelt Island relief efforts to the Rockaways began.

Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy Donations To The Rockaways Continue Sunday November 25 From 8-9:15 AM In Front Of PS/IS 217 - Food, Brooms, Dustpans, Cleaning Supplies, Flashlights, Shopping Carts Among Items Needed

 Image of Roosevelt Islanders Collecting Donations For Rockaways last Sunday From Olya Turcihin

Here's the latest update on efforts of Roosevelt Island residents to donate and deliver supplies to people living in the Rockaways devastated by Hurricane Sandy.  According to Karine Wong, who organized Roosevelt Island Hurricane donations and deliveries to the Rockaway:

Hello Roosevelt Island family,

I hope everyone had an amazing time eating, cooking, eating, hugging, eating, laughing, eating, traveling, eating, eating, ...

I know I did and I'm thankful for the family who invited us yesterday at their table. Family we did not know few days ago and made us feel at home... I just want to remind you that not everyone is as lucky as we are and for many people life has a different meaning today than few weeks ago before the storm hit. While we are getting ready for the holiday season, others are cleaning up the mess and trying to make a sense of why how and what to do next. Please meet us Sunday Morning between 8 and 9:15 am in front of PS 217 with your donations. Here is the list of what these folks need this week, but again anything you'll bring will be gladly accepted.

Brooms
Dustpans
Mops
Food (never enough)
Flashlights
Cleaning supplies and gloves
Shopping carts (I saw Traders has them for 12.99 or sometimes you can find them for 10 bucks)

We will deliver on Monday in the Rockaways. If you want to help let us know.

Enjoy the rest of the week end and see you Sunday. In the meantime share this email with your friends, visit out Facebook page "Roosevelt Island Community" and post it on your timeline. Thank YOU !

More on the Roosevelt Island Hurricane Relief efforts to the Rockaways from previous post. Also here's how Hurricane Sandy impacted communities.





Info on Hurricane Sandy damage to Roosevelt Island here.

Update On Roosevelt Island Residents Helping Rockaways Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts, Van And Big Car Needed For Delivery Next Week - Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney Hosting Small Business Disaster Relief Forum 11:30 This Morning In Long Island City

Image From Karine Wong

Reported previously on efforts by Roosevelt Island residents to donate and deliver necessities to people living in the Rockaways devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

Received an update yesterday from Karine Wong, who organized Roosevelt Island Hurricane donations and deliveries, on the collection effort yesterday morning in front of PS/IS 217. From Ms. Wong:

Hello Roosevelt Islanders,

We had a very successful collection this morning! Many Roosevelt Islanders came out with donations of coats, household supplies, flashlights, gloves and a variety of food items as well as bottled water. Erica Spencer-El the Public Relations Officer at RIOC

Image From Karine Wong

arrived with two truck-beds full of donations collected by RIOC.

Image From Karine Wong

A huge donation from baby clothes, diapers and canned foods to rubber gloves and many different kinds of cleaning supplies. Our thanks go out to them!

Image From Karine Wong

The spirit of our Roosevelt Island community was embodied by all who donated but especially by two of our neighbors Ron and Sharon (last names withheld for privacy). Sharon began a difficult treatment this week for a serious illness but made it out this morning to make sure her donation was received. Our thoughts go out to her as she battles through her illness. Ron came out to see what was going on and when he realized what we were collecting for, gave $40 for gas and the coat right off of his back! We are so fortunate to live a community with so many giving people!

We hope to see you all again next week! Enjoy the Holiday and Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Image From Karine Wong

Once again please visit our page "Roosevelt Island Community" on Facebook and share it share it and loooove it !

OUR NEXT COLLECTION WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY NOV 25 between 8 and 9:15 am in front of PS 217.

Also,We won't be able to use the Boy Scouts van next week because they have an event. Anyone with a van/big car to help us deliver in the Rockaways next monday ? We probably will need one or two extra cars.

Thanks in advance.

More on efforts by Roosevelt Island residents to help out people needing assistance living in the Rockaways from previous posts.

Also, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney tweets that she will be hosting a disaster relief forum for small business owners today in Long Island City Queens starting at 11:30 AM.

On Monday I'm hosting forums on disaster relief for small businesses hurt by #Sandy; Manhattan @ 9am, Queens @ 11:30am. 1.usa.gov/QMYnEf
— CarolynB. Maloney (@RepMaloney) November 16, 2012

More info from Ms. Maloney here.

UPDATE 11:55 PM -

I guy gave us a coat off of his back to bringtoday.... gotta love @rooseveltisland er's @meeralitatandon #Sandyaid twitter.com/TDaneNYC/statu…
— Trevis Dane Wimer (@TDaneNYC) November 19, 2012

Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy Donations To The Rockaways Continue Sunday November 18 From 8-9:15 AM In Front Of PS/IS 217 - President Barack Obama And Mayor Bloomberg Tour The Rockaways And Staten Island Today

 Image of Roosevelt Islanders Collecting Donations For Rockaways last Sunday From Olya Turcihin

A Roosevelt Island resident asked earlier today:

Please provide information on supplies for families in need because of the hurricane. I attended the Galleria Riva jazz salon last Sunday and was told that specific lists will be provided and items/goods accepted on Sunday mornings between 8 and 9 AM at the school. I cannot locate that information on any website. Thank you.

Karine Wong, who organized the Roosevelt Island Hurricane donations and deliveries to the Rockaways, provides the answer:

Hi Everyone,

Our next collect is on Sunday Nov 18 in front of PS 217 between 8:00 and 9:15 am and we will deliver on Monday morning to the Rockaways.

WE WILL NEED SOME HELP ON MONDAY PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU CAN JOIN US TO UNLOAD THE VAN. Thanks

Here is the list of things that they really need this week:
Towels
Toiletries
Work Gloves
Rubber Gloves
Air Mattresses
Snacks
Flashlights – they have batteries but not enough flashlights
Lanterns

Thank You

More information on the Roosevelt Island Rockaways Hurricane Sandy relief efforts from earlier posts.

Earlier today, President Obama toured the Rockaways and Staten Island with Mayor Bloomberg. Here's a report.



The NY Times has more on President Obama's visit to New York City today.

Roosevelt Island Hurricane Sandy Donations To The Rockaways Continue Tomorrow (Sunday) 8-9 AM In Front Of PS/IS 217

 Image of Roosevelt Islanders Collecting Donations For Rockaways last Sunday From Olya Turcihin

Reported previously on efforts by Roosevelt Island residents to donate and deliver necessities to people living in the Rockaways devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

Received word yesterday from Karine Wong, who organized Roosevelt Island Hurricane donations and deliveries, that they are returning to the Rockaways Sunday morning with more essential supplies. From Ms. Wong:

Hello,
Just so everyone is up to date the result of this week’s email, twitter and blog blast is as follows:

1) Sunday a whole bunch of people brought stuff to the meeting spot in front of PS 217

2) We collected 4 cars full of stuff + a 16 passenger van and trailer full of warm clothes and blankets

3) We delivered 4 cars full of supplies to a food distribution site at Redfern and Beach 12th St in the Rockaways

4) We had a little delay with the van – pending fuel supply – which was rectified when Owen went and waited in line on Tuesday

5) Wednesday, Owen and Kyle took the van and trailer to the Rockaways in search of a location in need

6) After several tries – a location was found…

Community and Family Head Start
41-05 Beach Channel Drive
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Contact: Cynthia Cummings, Executive Director
Community Parents, Inc.
718.771,4002 x112
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

7) After a bit of back and forth and some coordination – the entire shipment of jackets, blankets and warm clothes was unloaded at the Head Start School

8) This is a Head Start program in an area hard hit by the storm and the school administration is part of the core of this community…they have reported getting numerous calls and txt messages from their families asking for help and a way to keep the cold at bay during the past few days…everyone in the community there is cold and hungry.

9) There is no doubt that this is a community that has virtually no safety net or ability to respond to an extraordinary event like our recent hurricane. This is an area where there is no insurance, no extra anything in the bank, no margin if things go wrong, no place to go when things go wrong and no one to turn to for help.

The school is in the middle of the Rockaway peninsula. The waterline in the school was at 6 feet high inside the school earlier this week.

See the pictures at the link following;

http://www.nhsa.org/services/programs/disaster_relief_fund

This school serves 111, 3 – 5 year old children and their families living in the area. There is a single custodian trying (alone) to clean up. Many families are without typical means of communication. Requests for help have even been coming in via txt messages to the school. The Community Parents program is developing a plan to communicate effectively with their constituents.

This is an area that has been very hard hit and has been largely unnoticed. They do not have power. They have very little resources. They need help. It will take a long time to recover, here is an idea to help things along and to keep things going…

1) We need 50 or 60 people to commit to a once a week process and donate a couple of items from a selection of 3 or 4 items most in need on a given week
a. What we mean by small is for example; a package of diapers, a package of batteries, a box of granola bars and so forth… essential items from a list things that we will circulate each week

2) We meet and collect everything on Sunday mornings between 8am and 9am

3) We deliver everything collected on Sunday or Monday (schedule depending) to the Head Start program for them to distribute (the custodian already told us he would come and open the place so we can drop things off…

4) We all commit to doing this weekly for the next several months – after all we can’t just help for a week and then leave them hanging…can we?

One thing is clear, they need help. Another thing that is clear is we are a community that has proven that we can help a little and make this work.

The idea is to make this as simple and direct as we can. Providing people with a chance to pitch in and spreading the responsibility among as many people as possible – everyone doing whatever it is that they can - but doing something. If everyone adds a little something to the pot no one person needs to add a large amount.

Each week a small contribution and maybe even a little time given too (we will need a couple of people and a couple of vehicles to help make the delivery every week).

Seems like we can accomplish this easily and make sure that a community that can help provides help for a community in need…

The suggested items for this week are;

Granola bars or energy bars - we have been told that hunger is a significant issue this week due to the way that the NYC food distribution program is going – food gets out but barely enough and after all it is kids we are talking about – when do they ever have enough to eat…

Baby wipes – not just for babies but everyone – there is no power and therefore no hot water in many of the homes in this area

Diapers – it is all families out there and they come in all ages and sizes

Batteries – without power the battery supply gets used pretty fast…

If you want to contribute financially to help develop communication systems go to http://www.childmobilealerts.com

Donations can be made to:
Community Parents, Inc.
90 Chauncey St
Brooklyn, NY 11233

Ms. Wong adds today:

Just a quick reminder that we are meeting again tomorrow morning between 8 - 9 AM Sunday Nov 11 in front of PS 217 if you would like to donate or help delivering with us please come and join the fun.

FYI, tomorrow, we will be accepting:
Batteries
Wipes
Diapers/Pull ups
Granola bars and Energy Bars

Below is an update from Cynthia our contact in the Rockaways

Hello Roosevelt Island Family- Just wanted you to know how helpful the clothing distribution was today. See photos attached.

The items that parents told us they need are:

Inflatable air beds/mattress
Sheets to match size
Blankets (not enough)
Towels/ washcloths (new or gently used, please)
Rubber gloves, work gloves
Cleaning supplies/paper goods
Personal hygiene items
Water
Diapers (various sizes, pull ups)

There is a family that lost their home to fire and evacuated in their car. They need to rebuild everything in their home.
Pots/dishes/cups

The program needs to continue our efforts:
Garbage bags
Batteries (C and D)
Flashlights
Sterno/ food racks
Hand Sanitizer

We are blessed to have you help!- Cynthia

Here are images from the Rockaways provided by Cynthia.

More on Roosevelt Island residents efforts to help Hurricane Sandy Rockaway residents from earlier post.

Volunteers are also needed on Sunday between 10 AM - 1 PM to help clean up Roosevelt Island's Blackwell Park area.