As a local NYC business, we are all too familiar with the devastation that Hurricane Sandy has brought. People’s homes and lives have been destroyed all over the Tri-State area. Out of this darkness comes the inspiration of people coming together to help each other. At Deposit a Gift we’re trying to do our part and are glad that our platform is helping people raise thousands of dollars for families in need.
If you are looking to make a difference and want to donate directly to a family in need, we hope you’ll consider one of these.
HERE ARE THEIR STORIES:
On the day of the Hurricane she crossed the street to check on a neighbor, got stuck due to flooding, then evacuated without a chance to return home and even grab her purse, and then the fire hit that destroyed everything. Along with her devastation, she is trying to help her son Michael, his wife Jenny and their 1 year old, Tess as well. They lost their house to severe flood damage from the Hurricane and have been displaced from their home as well. They are all struggling to try to start to put some pieces back together.
The Daws Family – Manahawkin, NJ
JR and Whitney Daws are currently living in Manahawkin, NJ with their two daughters, Lilla (4 in Dec) and Haven (14 mo). JR is in captains school with the US Coastguard in Connecticut. When Hurricane Sandy hit, Whitney and the girls evacuated their home since it is on the coast of New Jersey with a boat dock on the inlet. Before leaving, Whitney packed up Lilla’s favorite items, her books, and put them in a hamper on top of her bed to make sure that they would stay dry if it flooded. When she returned home on Tuesday after the storm she found that the water reached around 5 ft high in her home destroying everything. The books were ruined along with all of their belongings. JR is now with Whitney to help her salvage what they can from their home. Before the storm, they learned that they are being restationed to St. Petersburg, FL. Let’s help them with their move and to give them a fresh start!
The Simon Family – Oceanside, NY
Over the course of Hurricane Sandy, the Simon family (Uncle Rich, Aunt Amy, and our cousins Sami [9] and Max [8]) were forced to evacuate their home in Oceanside, NY on Long Island. When they returned, they found the house was completely flooded and they’d lost the majority of their possessions, including clothes, valuables, personal items, and electronics, with no flood insurance the help cover any losses (FEMAs contribution is nowhere near enough). They can’t even move back into their house until it has been cleaned and repaired.
Linda and her son, John, are from Breezy Point NY. They have lived there all of their lives. Their house is completely destroyed. It was burnt to the ground and the only things they have left are what they took in their overnight bag when they were evacuated due to hurricane safety concerns — no one could have envisioned what was to be with the fire. If anything they thought their house would get water, but they never imagined that they’d have nothing to go back to.
This is Breezy Point after the fire that destroyed over 100 homes:
If you would like to give directly to an organization that serves thousands of displaced families and children, consider The New York Foundling — Deposit a Gift has partnered with them and will donate an extra 4%.
The New York Foundling is a network of community-based services throughout the greater New York City metropolitan area which provides havens for children whose safety is at risk while also offering support to strengthen families. They currently serve over 11,000 Children and Families in all boroughs including some of the hardest hit areas.
Do you know someone in need that you would like to raise money for? Click here to create your fundraising registry today!
