Congressman Tom Reed, the Greater Steuben Chapter American Red Cross Kids Youth Group, local New York State Legislators and the Helping Hands and Beyond program are joining forces to bring some much-needed relief to those impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The organizations will work together on an initiative to collect and transport new linens to areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy.
"We saw a niche that needed to be filled and we are happy to have joined with great organizations to help those affected by Sandy in this time of need," Reed said. "I was at a Hurricane Sandy fundraiser just the other weekend talking with residents about ways to increase and maintain awareness. This project helps to fill a need and keeps us aware of those still suffering from damages and loss."
Programs across the state and nation have been collecting food, clothing and various personal items but there is also a need for new linens sheets, towels, blankets and similar items.
"The collaboration with Helping Hands and Beyond offers the opportunity to provide basic relief to the families struggling to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy," Red Cross Kids Coordinator Debby Woglom said. "We were fortunate the storm spared our region and now we are mobilizing the youth program to help with basic needs."
Helping Hands and Beyond, a not-for-profit humanitarian organization working in Sandy relief, will pick up and transport the donated items to hurricane victims. You can help. Individuals and families interested in donating new linen items like sheets, towels or blankets, may bring the unopened items to any of Congressman Reed's offices or the following New York State Legislator's offices: Senator Mike Nozzolio, Senator Tom O'Mara, Senator Cathy Young, Assemblyman Chris Friend, Assemblyman Joe Giglio, or Assemblyman Phil Palmesano.
Joe Sempolinski, Reed's district director, joined the American Red Cross team in their Corning Office on Wednesday to launch the initiative. Any items donated after January 1st can still be dropped off at any of Congressman Reed's offices.
