Copy of email I sent today to all I work with
Many have been writing and calling to check up on how we have fared through Super-Storm Sandy. First, thank you for your care and concern. I am actually writing this at 6:00am while on a one-mile gas line in central NJ. I guess others had my idea to get an early start. This line will grow to two miles by midday.
As others, we lost power for over a week, sustained a large rip in the side of the house and lost some roofing. I consider us very lucky. Many, even neighbors, are still without power. There are many that have lost all. I know all are very concerned about the forecast Nor’easter coming this Thursday. I don't like to project, but if it hits it will add to the devastation.
Later today I will be heading to Staten Island with a local church to assist in relief efforts for people who are now homeless; their homes having been flooded, burned or other wise left completely uninhabitable. They are the worst victims of this catastrophe. I happen to be heading to Staten Island, but up and down the coastline the devastation has been repeated and the needs great. The losses are complete, the lives forever changed.
My primary business, Surgant Ventures, will re-open this week on a partial basis. As long as our neighbors are in need, we will be volunteering time and resources to offer assistance. I may be in touch with those we have scheduled meetings with requesting to change dates and times. I appreciate the accommodations and thank you in advance for understanding our reasoning. We hope to resume normal business in the coming weeks.
Many have written and asked how they can help. While national charitable organizations are wonderful, many are overwhelmed and not getting the needs of the victims addressed. In Staten Island, I know that we are looking for school supplies so kids can begin to start normalizing their lives by attending classes.
Specifically needed are:
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Book bags
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Pencils
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Notebooks
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Crayons
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All other school supplies
Additionally:
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Cleaning supplies
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Blankets
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Gloves
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Coats
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Hand Sanitizer
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Toiletries
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Adult diapers
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Canned and non perishable foods
Once those needs are met we will shift efforts to another area to distribute donations.
Ship to our office:
107 Wallace Court
Green Brook, NJ 08812
We have a 501c3 for donations*. Please make checks out to: BeTheMomentum
Many know that I am an amateur photographer. For the next month I will be donating all profits from sales to relief efforts. The web site is rgallucci.com.
If you are in the affected region and know of hard hit areas that need immediate direct relief and assistance please email me at [email protected]
We hope you are all well and look forward to our next conversation.
* BeTheMomentum is the organization we had previously set up to raise awareness and fundraise for Parkinson ‘s disease. We are redirecting our contributions to Super-Storm Sandy relief efforts while the need is there.
