For the Volunteers of Rockaway

Please donate to the relief effort at http://www.StFrancisRelief.org

Photographed by: Michael Crook Photography
http://www.MichaelCrook.com

Music by: Messes
http://www.MessesMusic.com
http://www.facebook.com/MessesMusic

November 2011- In the weeks after Hurricane Sandy devastated a huge portion of the eastern seaboard, volunteer and relief efforts quickly began to spring up all over hard-hit areas such as the Rockaways in Queens, NY. Even the likes of Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake showed up to distribute supplies. This video showcases the grassroots efforts of organizations and individual volunteers in the Rockaways who have tirelessly worked to help those in dire need of basic living essentials and supplies. As of now, the majority of homes and apartments in the Rockaways are still without power. 

From the St. Francis de Sales Relief effort website: 

"Relief effort coordination and operations for the Rockaway Beach region continue out of the St. Francis de Sales Parish. The community relief center is organized by volunteers who generously donate their time and skills.
The parish has converted its gym into a distribution center for those in need of essential items such as clothes, non-perishable food items, diapers, batteries, and space heaters. Volunteers are sorting these donated items and assisting community members so as to provide them with the materials they most require.
Each day volunteers coordinate hot food distribution for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Those receiving breakfast, lunch, and supper each day number in the thousands.
St. Francis continues to send volunteers into the community to assist with clean-up. Crews are removing debris from neighborhood homes and streets and assisting residents in the removal of damaged property so these items may be disposed of safely.
The recent super-storm has left many with chronic health conditions unable to access the medical care they need. Medical volunteers are currently performing health and wellness checks in the Rockaway Beach region neighborhoods in addition to operating a small urgent care facility in the parish. Community members are able to refill prescriptions at this facility following evaluation by medically licensed personnel. This site is also providing tetanus immunizations for those injured during neighborhood clean-up.
The parish will serve as a site for those who require government assistance with home repair to register with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Deparment of Health and Human Services via internet and computers provided by NGO partners."