It has been quite a week – a week that I will never forget.
THE WEEK OF SANDY
As I am sure you know, there was a major hurricane that hit the East Coast last week. For me, it literally hit home. I live on the Jersey Shore so my community was extremely impacted. The impact is something that will continue for a long time.
For my family, it was a long night when Sandy hit. Emotions from fear to excitement to confusion and back to fear filled the night. We watched the storm pass from our windows. I watched a boat appear out of nowhere and show up on my front lawn. The power went out, the river rose all the way to our home, the house shook and trees crashed down all night. Our house was damaged but it is still in tact. All my friends and family are safe. I am part of the lucky few, but many weren’t as lucky. Some of my friends lost their homes and all their belongings. It is terrible.
Following that long night, my feelings changed to disbelief and sadness as the true impact was seen. Everywhere you look, you see the impact of Sandy. Trees are down, power outages are widespread, and many people have lost their homes. To say that the devastation is huge would be an understatement.
My payers go out to everyone who has been affected by this tragic storm.
Many people, community centers, churches and organizations are doing a great job of providing food and shelter to people. I have been trying to do everything I can do to help. My family and friends are donating food & supplies to the National Guard. We are even doing their laundry. (Really! Can you imagine? Washing National Guard uniforms!)
So much still needs to be done. Our foundation, CLF, is working on a few donations that will help those directly impacted by Sandy. Hopefully, we can make a big difference. But I want to do more. Help me spread the word to everyone how easy it is for each of us to help – even if it is just a small bit. It all adds up – it all makes a difference.
One easy thing you can do is as simple as a text. You can text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, which helps people affected by disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and tornadoes, at home and around the world. Send a text! Everything helps!
If you have been affected please stay strong. You are in my thoughts and prayers!