I’m headed out to the Rockaways this weekend, by bike from Long Island City – if anybody wants to caravan down there. I plan on stopping in Broad Channel along the way to survey and see what’s needed there, talk with people and see how they are coping.

Below is a note from Angie on behalf of Marina 59 and the Rockaways relief effort – read it, donate what you can, material goods are appreciated and I have a feeling time is a most-valuable asset right now. We need people.

…

Dear World,

Marina 59 is trying to aid in centralizing resources and volunteers for Hurricane Sandy relief in Far Rockaway, Queens, which was completely submerged during the storm. We are in a real state of emergency and there is not enough help down here. Please show your support in any way you can! Frustration is mounting with residents of the area who have been cleaning debris and pumping water while trying to survive with no electricity or plumbing all week, and with no end in sight unless we raise an army of volunteers.

Here are a few links to sites with donation drop off sites, materials needed, how to get involved by volunteering from nearby or donating from afar.

Interoccupy Sandy
We Pay donations
Here’s how to volunteer (gothamist)

Also, follow the Rockaway Relief facebook page for local updates:
http://www.facebook.com/RockawayRelief

It is possible to drive to Far Rockaway. Please car pool as much as possible to help reduce gas use and make the most of what we have. Here is an update from Oct 31st from the 101th precinct: ALL BRIDGES ARE OPEN. You can also get in through five towns. You are permitted to head to Rockaway BUT…..there is a LOT of debris, STOP LIGHTS ARE OUT, NO cell service. He says PLEASE PLEASE use extreme caution. There is enough going on without also having to deal with car accidents. Stop at EVERY stop light.

Anyone affected by Sandy, including homeowners, renters, and businesses, should call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or visit disasterassistance.gov to register for federal disaster assistance. Before you call, be sure to have the following information ready: -Address of affected property -Insurance information -Social Security # Also, keep photos of damage and receipts from disaster-related expenses if you have them available.

The Rockaway drop-off sites are:

Location 1:
Firehouse on 59th street
across from the train station.
contact person: Jean Dupont 9179755623

Location 2:
Veggie Island
96th Street and Rockaway Blvd.

Location 3:
Store Front Community Center
B113 and Rockaway Beach Blvd

Location 4:
St. Francis de Sales Parish, located on 129-16

Anyone looking to donate items by mail please send items to:

St. Francis De Sales Church
129-16 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
Belle Harbor, NY 11694

The following location is collecting items for Broad Channel:

The America Legion
209 Crossbay Blvd
Broad Channel, NY 11693

In addition to the staples (food, clothing, water, blankets, batteries, formula, diapers, wipes, etc.) we are hearing that people are also in need of heavy duty garbage bags, shovels and gloves for the clean up efforts. Generators and pumps are also in short supply so if anyone has access to any (or knows someone who does) people could really use the help getting rid of the water. Gas for generators too please!

Among items requested are:

Generators
Gas for generators
Pumps
Rubber Boots
Contractor bags
Shovels
Gloves
Dust Masks
Hot Coffee & Food
Socks
Portable Stoves (propane, butane, camping style)
Butane Canisters, Kerosene, Propane
Chainsaws
Disposable Kitchenwares
Water
Blankets
Jackets
Warm Clothes
Toothbrushes
Baby Wipes
Antibacterial Soap
Brooms
Cleaning Supplies
Flashlights
Candles
Tarps
Satellite Phones
Walkie Talkies
Booze
Orange Home Depot Water Coolers full of Clean Water
Bruce Springsteen

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