Many of our readers are asking us in the wake of Hurricane Sandy how they can help fellow town, city and tri-state area residents. Scroll down to find your town. Here's some information on how to help Long Islanders, and here's information about how to donate to New Jersey and other residents displaced or affected by the storm by giving to the Red Cross.
Darien
- Darien First Selectman Jayme Stevenson said the best thing town residents can do is to look in on their neighbors to make sure they're OK. Anyone have information about how to help other Darien residents affected by the storm? Please post it in the comment thread below.
Easton
- Volunteers can go to help out at Joel Barlow High School and Helen Keller Middle School. Both places are open as comfort stations over the weekend.
Fairfield
- As residents in Fairfield and Southport begin to regain power, many are asking how they can help those in need in town. Town officials and emergency personnel have referred those who wish to volunteer to the American Red Cross website to find local opportunities -- here is a list of places/organizations to get involved with or contribute to:
- Recovery is For Everyone, 1080 Post Road, 203-218-7233
- Child Guidance Center of Greater Bridgeport, 148 Beach Road, 203-255-2631
- Operation Hope, Shelters for Men, Woman, and Families, 50 Nichols Street, 203-254-2935. Operation Hope also needs help replenishing their food pantry. They accept non-perishables and are especially in need of canned stew, canned tuna, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, and juice boxes. The organization also has a major need for diapers in all sizes.
- St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen, 661 Old Post Road, 203-259-3013
Greenwich
- Neighbor-to-Neighbor in Greenwich continues to need donations of food and clothing for the people it serves. Here's what Executive Director Nancy Coughlin told Patch: "We have been unable to do much of anything for the past several days, which has been frustrating. Our office (located in basement of Christ Church annex) lost power Sunday and we didn't regain it until Wednesday. We reopened today (Thursday) — but we have no Internet — and it is hard because I'm sure people have been trying to reach us...She said once they reopened at 8:30 a.m. "we were instantly mobbed — obviously there are a lot of people out there who are need of food — in particular cold foods such as canned foods and cereal ...."A lot of people don't have power and therefore can't cook" she said. The pantry will be open from 8:30 to 12 noon Saturday however it will be closed on Sunday, as per their regular schedule (I guess this has something to do with the church services...) She said Neighbor-to-Neighbor's pantry is in need of canned foods, cereal, fruit juices, beans and fresh bread. She said they were hit hard today but still have some supplies left. The food pantry, which also supplies clothing and other household items to the needy, is open 8:30 am to 12 noon, except Thursdays when it is open from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays when it is closed.
- Stuart Adelberg, president, United Way of Greenwich: Says the agency's role is really to facilitate the coordination of the efforts of the various non-profits — including helping them to find volunteers. "The American Red Cross are really the main planners of all the relief efforts to this point," he said. "They are still on the frontline, for right now, but the other agencies are now starting to kick into action...." He said they are working on "filling in the pockets of need" within the working agencies and assisting in contacting volunteers... however "there is still a lot of chaos out there and we are just getting things sorted out..." He said the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club are open and have implemented special programs for children to help keep them safe and occupied while they are out of school...He said people who want to volunteer or assist Greenwich agencies with relief efforts should call the Volunteer Center at 348-7711. (or visit www.ucanhelp.org.)
Milford
- The United Way, St. Mary Church and the Senior Center are all serving as drop-off centers for donations to help residents impacted by the storm. A local business, Baby Love, is also collecting supplies and items for babies and children impacted by the storm.
New Canaan
- Residents seeking to help those without power in New Canaan should call the town’s Office of Emergency Management at 203-594-4100 to see where help is needed. Mostly, the OEM is looking for people to help staff the eight 24/7 phone lines that ring off the hook with every new update that goes out from the agency. Residents also are encouraged the check on neighbors, as many of those who have lost power, phone and Internet may have had a tough time getting out of their blocked driveways.
Norwalk
- Anyone have information about how to help Norwalk residents affected by the storm? Please post it in the comment thread below.
Redding
- Volunteers can go to the Redding Community Center or Joel Barlow High School. Trunk-or-Treat is also planned for Saturday, Nov. 3, from 4 to 6 p.m. Bring candy for the kids.
Stamford
- In Stamford, residents looking to help their fellow citizens have several options available to them. Currently, the Red Cross is managing a shelter at the Stamford High School for those displaced by the storm. The Salvation Army is currently handling the distribution of food. Mayor Michael Pavia directed those interested in assisting with relief efforts to contact groups within Stamford like Backyard Humanitarians and other local groups who are community partners with national groups and provide bodies, supplies and manpower. Currently, Backyard Humanitarians said their most needed items are towels, blankets, toiletries and non-perishable food items. All other types of donations are accepted and welcome. You can call Backyard Humanitarians at 203.524.9788. They can also help direct residents to specific locations that need specific items.
Stratford
- A local pizzeria is raising funds for American Red Cross with an event called "Election 2012," which pits two pizzas -- The Feal Good Foundation Pizza and The Meatpacking District -- against each other. Click here for more info.
Trumbull
- The Westfield Trumbull Shopping Mall will be accepting donations Nov. 3 through Nov. 11. Donations will be distributed through the Connecticut Food Bank. Food Items Most Needed:
- 100% Fruit Juice (cans / bottles / boxes)
- Canned vegetables & fruit
- Chunky soups & beef stew
- Gluten-free products
- Macaroni & cheese
- Peanut butter
- Powdered milk
- Rice / dry & canned beans
- Spaghetti & sauce
- “Sugar free,” “low sodium,” & “no salt” items
- Tuna & other canned meat
- Shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Diapers, detergent and deodorant
- Shaving cream, razors and hairbrushes
Weston
- Those wishing to help in Weston can go to Weston High School where a comfort station will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. over the weekend. The town's storm information line is (203) 454-1161.
Westport
- Anyone have information about how to help Westport residents affected by the storm? Please post it in the comment thread below.
Wilton
- Want to volunteer in Wilton? Miller-Driscoll is the town's comfort station.
