Neighborhood donation sites cropped up all over the community offering those without food, water, heat and electric the most essential of supplies. Displaced residents lined up for items ranging from batteries to blankets, coats, first aid supplies, water, diapers and food products. The sites were set up in many different locations and were open to anyone in need. Photos Courtesy Donna Faiella
These pictures really tell the whole story of what happened that night. My family and I were home when Sandy hit and after seeing a fire start right next to us at our neighbor’s house, we decided to leave that night not knowing if we would have a home to come back to. I could show you more photos of our home but what I believe is of more importance is the support we received from our family and friends all over the country. We have rebuilt since then, but with little help from NYC Build it Back or FEMA. That night I carried my 4-month-old child through 4 feet of water. My job calls for helping others but that night, and for 7 months after, we needed the help. Our home had fire damage from our neighbor’s home and the flood was about one foot high to our entire first floor. This has been the hardest time for my family and I but we hold strong to our faith and believe that help is still coming. This is my story and thank you for taking the time to read this. –Edwin Perez
Photos Courtesy Edwin Perez
After my family’s home on 160th Avenue was flooded by the surge from Hurricane Sandy, our son David organized five classmates who graduated with him from St. Francis Prep in 2008 to help with the clean-up. Standing in front of the rubble of our house are (l. to r.): Tommy Garofola, Larry Mongelli, Joe Iemma, David Marino, Chris Costello, and Michael Biordi. –Steve Marino
Photo Courtesy Steve Marino
This is a picture my son Atreyu and I, early morning after we completely emptied out my entire first floor. We both worked tirelessly in the dark, most times with no heat, so that our family could get into our house before Thanksgiving. We may have lost a lot of our possessions but I gained a new pride and respect for my son, who never left my side throughout the entire ordeal. By the way, we were able to get into our house before Thanksgiving and gave thanks we were in our house together and healthy. –James DeBari
Photo Courtesy James DeBari
National Guard troops were on the scene helping not only to ensure order and minimize looting but also to help in the massive clean-up of personal possessions turned into debris. Photo Courtesy Victoria Holt/VRPhotography
