Ways You Can Help!

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Ive seen so many of you reach out to lend a hand to your friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have been victims of this terrible storm. Hurricane Sandy has ravaged our great city from the shores of St. George in Staten Island to the countless families who had to evacuate Battery Park City; to the destruction of homes and businesses in Brooklyns Coney Island, and to our own Breezy Point on the western edge of the Rockaway peninsula that was engulfed in flames and inundated by flooding. Still, it is always encouraging to see people working together to help one another in these desperate times. All over the city, in every borough, people have been reaching out to lend a hand to friends, neighbors and even strangers who are facing uncertain futures in wake of this terrible storm. Many of you have contacted our office asking what you can do to help your fellow New Yorkers. To that end, we have started collecting donations for families who have been displaced by Hurricane Sandy at our office in Little Neck. The items most needed are: clothing, shoes, diapers, toiletries, and childrens toys. We will be collecting items at our Little Neck office all of next week, from 9am-5pm. The office is located at 56-21 Marathon Parkway. We're on the second floor of the building. There is a Chase bank on the street level. Please use Hopstop.com for exact directions from your address to the office. The office can be reached at 718-428-7900. We also encourage our constituents to make contributions directly to the American Red Cross. You can donate to the Red Cross at www.nyredcross.org, 1-800-Red-Cross or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. You may also mail your donation, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. For our seniors and those with chronic conditions who rely on life-sustaining equipment, there are special services available through ConEd. Please visit http://www.coned.com/customercentral/brochures/br_safety%20For%20Special%20C ustomers.pdf for more information. Please also pass this along to seniors in your community who may not have access to the internet. We also received notice this afternoon that Con Edison will start to distribute dry ice to customers affected by the hurricane. It will be distributed until 6pm or until the supply runs out. The company will also have personnel at the locations to answer customers questions and will provide instructions for safe handling and disposal of dry ice. Queens Francis Lewis Playground, PS130 at Francis Lewis Blvd & 42 Avenue

Manhattan Union Square Park 14th Street and Union Square West (South Side) There are also other ways you can help those in need: Register to volunteer with NYC Service http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycservice/home.html Donate goods or services to those who have suffered damage by visiting Aidmatrix http://www.aidmatrixnetwork.org/fema/States.aspx?ST=New%20York%20City Visit the Food Bank for New York City to donate or volunteer. http://www.foodbanknyc.org/ Our combined generosity will help New York City get through this most challenging time. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office for assistance. My staff is available to help and answer any questions at 718-428-7900. You can also email us at weprind@assembly.state.ny.us. Thank you so much for you generous contributions. Sincerely, Assemblyman David I. Weprin State Assembly District 24