Bonnie F. Sirower

By Bonnie F. Sirower, governor of District 7490 (New Jersey, USA)

On 10 November, with the help of nearly 150 volunteers, about a third of them new to Rotary, we sorted materials delivered by about five large trucks from all over the United States.

Then we packed pick-up trucks to the hilt with food, clothing, cleaning supplies, toiletries, baby stuff, and blankets and set off in many different directions to deliver these goods to more than 12 communities throughout the affected districts hit by Hurricane Sandy nearly two weeks ago.

We went to Breezy Point in Queens, Moonachie, Little Ferry, West New York, Eatontown, Asbury Park, Belmar and four or five additional sites in New Jersey.  An additional truck came in from Maryland over the weekend. More trucks and vans are coming within the next couple of days to Paramus, and we will continue to deliver donated stuff as fast as we can.

It is heartwarming to see so many volunteers, so many donations of both cash and goods, and so much gratitude when we deliver the materials. Thank you all!

• Governors of the six affected districts are asking Rotarians to send donations to their Hurricane Sandy fund. To learn how to donate and to read news updates, visit their website
• Read “Rotarians respond in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy”
• Read other blog posts about hurricane relief efforts