To say Hurricane Sandy was a bitch is an understatement. She took and destroyed everything in her path. Boats, cars, trains, parks, homes, lives. It’s spooky to look at places now and not even recognize them. Although hit like everyone else, there are places far far worse. Long Island is in complete shambles and we need all the help we can get. If you are in the area and have/can spare:

• non perishable food (peanut butter, jelly, crackers, chips, etc)
• toiletries ( toothpaste, toothbrushes, tampons, pads, toilet paper, etc)
• warm clothing because the weather is dropping (fuzzy socks, clean underwear, sweatshirts, sweatpants, 
• bottled water (if you can, i know its very scarce)
• paper towels, plastic plates, forks, spoons
• towels, blankets
• batteries/flashlights
• garbage bags/latex gloves
• mops/brooms
• (anything else you can think of)

Shelters are everywhere. Nassau Community College (NCC) has opened their doors and turned into one. There is hot food, hot showers and love.

At West Hempstead High School (located on Nassau Blvd) Friday Nov 2nd (from 12-4) and Sat Nov 3rd (from 12-4) my friends and I will be collecting all these items to try and venture out to places like Long Beach, Island Park, Oceanside in the next couple of days. (WHHS is also a shelter as well)

If you are like me and decide to venture out to the more devastated areas, wear rainboots that can get dirty.

For anyone still without power, Roosevelt Field Mall in Westbury/Garden City, NY has outlets available (keep in mind the lines will probably be long).

 There is now LIRR LIMITED SERVICES on the Ronkonkama and Port Washington lines.

Be advise nyc: still no subway trains from 34th street and down

THE ROCKAWAYS, QUEENS:

Guys, this area was hit horribly. I have a few family members there and the devastation is unimaginable. I know gas is scarce but if you are in this area of Queens and can donate anything on the list above, it would greatly be appreciated. plus:

• Air fresheners (because the smell is getting bad)

TIPS: 

-Despite the fact there are good people trying to do things in this horrible situation, there is still evil. There are reports of people dressing up as LIPA and CON-ED workers and robbing whatever people have left. Don’t open the door if you are without power and can’t see as well as if you don’t see a truck. LIPA/CON-ED workers are not suppose to enter your home

-Dont be foolish and walk under trees 

-If/when in doubt, throw it out

-If unsure on the tap water, don’t drink it

-Stay away from wires down (they are most likely live) and call it in if you can

-Gas lines are ridiculous considering there are like only 5 stations open right now in all of Nassau County. Try to not drive when you can, the island might be out for a bit

-There are curfews now for Long Island, abide by them. They are there for a reason

Last but not least a thank you. To all Army, National Guard, LIPA workers, FEMA workers, CON-ED workers, National Grid workers, emergency workers, firefighters, cops, volunteers/civilians etc. You are everyone’s heroes right now. Without you, things would be 10 times worse. Thank you for working triple time and endlessly to getting normality restored in my community, my home. 

East Coast, New York, Long Island. Be safe and be strong. They didn’t nickname us Strong Island for nothing.