Help When You Can

I have been a long time islander and what I have learned over the years in our unique location with its own set of challenges is that we all have to work together. When a major storm hits us or snow we as neighbors always step up and help those in need. No matter if its long power outages or downed trees blocking the road or people in need of firewood when its cold we seem to always step up.

Recently in the wake of Super storm Sandy there thousands of people that are instantly homeless and now are suffering in future storm weather. The government can only do so much; there are only so many emergency trailers to go around. When a storm of this size devastates a densely populated community in New York and New Jersey there are only so many resources to go around.

I have watching the various local and state websites and have talk with some emergency management coordinators and although there as been a tremendous out pouring of volunteers and help what is needed is skilled volunteers mainly in construction and equipment operating to start the cleanup and get people back into there homes.

I have assembled a small group of carpenters and contractors that will head out with tools and equipment on Nov 17th some of us are flying back and forth to give as much time as we can. Because we are here and the logistics of getting everyone back and forth with fuel and lodging cost we are asking for anyone to donated what ever you can towards our efforts to help. We hope to work through December and get as many people back into a safe home as we can. We have established the "Vashon Builders Relief Fund" at Chase bank to accept donations or you can call Rebecca Parks at 206-491-6157 to help with your donation. We are hoping for $4000.00 to cover the initial fuel costs and we will work with FEMA and other agencies to cover costs while we are there.

If you have a couple of weeks available please call me at 206-450-4707 to coordinate our efforts. Our first stop will be Staten Island as we all know the challenges islands have. We will report back our successes and let everyone back home know just how great is to be from a community that cares.