Riding the Storm Out…

A current Facebook trend is Thirty Days of Being Thankful. For the month of November, people post daily about things for which they are thankful. It is, by far, my favorite social media trend because the posts are thought-provoking, heart-warming and inspiring.

As I sit down to write this, I am thinking about what I am thankful for. It doesn’t take me long to check off health, family, love—things I am always thankful for. Given the events of the last week including Hurricane Sandy, I find myself mentally adding to my “what I am grateful/thankful for” list… my home, not being flooded, having power, and clean drinking water. Many folks along the east coast weren’t so lucky. Closer to home, in New York City and Long Island, fellow New Yorkers are still without power, still awaiting help.

As the storm rolled in, I watched horrific news footage; I monitored facebook posts from out of town friends and family—many of whom were worried about friends and family in the affected areas. When it was clear the storm would swing around Central New York and spare us any terrible damage, I breathed a sigh of relief but, immediately, my heart went out to those who were not going to be as lucky. The following day, news footage showed more and more damage to the south east of us—New York City was underwater and much of the coastline on Long Island and other nearby areas was washed away. Today, I read that the grocery store shelves on Long Island are empty, there are long lines at the gas stations and there are reports of looting as fear runs rampant and desperation sets in.

I have friends and family from Long Island. My sister-in-law’s family resides in Levittown. Yesterday, one of her sisters was allowed to return to work in the city. She commented that she was relieved—she had hot water, a hot cup of coffee and electricity (things she didn’t have at home). Another friend Elke Wright, who is a Long Island native and currently resides in Homer, and whose father and brother still live down there, was relieved to finally hear from her family on Tuesday evening. Since then, Elke has sprung to action- organizing a local collection of items for Long Island hurricane victims. I received an invitation to participate in her “Hurricane Sandy Collection,” which she is running out of her home. Elke has asked friends to donate money (by check), C & D size batteries, toothbrushes, combs, hair brushes, toothpaste, light blankets, hats, gloves, mittens and scarves (these are the only items of clothing being accepted).

Springing into action is nothing new for Elke, her husband John, and their three children, Gracie 9, Sophia and Kyle 6. Nine year old, Grace, with some assistance from her parents, organizes an annual can drive for St. Jude’s.

This morning, when I asked her about her efforts, Elke replied, “I am from Long Island. My heart is aching because I can’t do more. This [collection] is all I can do…this and pray. The shore where I grew up was hit hard; beaches I played on as a child, hung out at as a teenager and went back to visit as an adult, were devastated. It feels like memories were swept away with the storm. I feel so sad for my family and high school friends. My friend, Mary, has a house on the south shore in Babylon; there is still three feet of standing water in it. She went home yesterday to try to pump some water out but the water had fuel in it from the boats that had washed ashore into people’s yards and the streets. Mary’s boys keep asking when they can go home and she has to find a way to tell them they won’t be going home again.”

Items that are donated will be collected by Elke’s father, Herbert Bauer on November 9th and then again two weeks later. He will bring the items directly to their church, Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Babylon and to the local Red Cross. Elke spoke briefly with the pastor and told her that she was attempting to organize a collection for them. Her pastor was overwhelmed; they were without power and weren’t even sure of the extent of damage beyond their immediate community.

I am putting together some items for Elke’s collection and, on behalf of The Second Knob Gifts and Antiques, a monetary donation. I’ve shared her invite with friends and, in hopes of encouraging others to get involved, am writing this article. If you would like to donate items to the collection, you may drop them off at her home. 54 Center St. Homer NY 13077. Checks may be made out to Cross of Christ Church (with “Sandy” noted in the memo line) and may be mailed to Elke Wright at home. Additionally, if you reside closer to Dryden, we welcome you to leave donations at our shop, The Second Knob, 128 W. Main St. in Dryden and we will deliver them to Elke. The collection will run through November 19th.

So, as I kick off Thirty Days of Being Thankful, I have this to say…

Today, I am thankful for rescue workers, for volunteers, for compassionate people who can come together in a time of crisis. I am thankful for people like Elke and her family. Additionally, those who want to extend their help but still unsure which organization to choose for their donation causes  may consider helping Cambodia schools to help them with their needs.