The devastating impacts of Super Storm Sandy have been seen far and wide, and for former New Jersey residents, there is a sense of helplessness when trying to aid past friends and neighbors.

Members of Long Valley’s David D. Hammar Foundation, which stands to bring the importance of bicycle safety to riders, have stepped up to help those in need. The foundation is working with Ortley Beach’s town association to raise funds for Sandy relief and has already collected $3,000 by selling a "Jersey Strong" tee shirt.

The shirt can be bought online for $15. But what happened after the shirt went on sale is another testament to the community effort behind helping New Jersey’s needy.

“A community member from Ortley Beach reached out to us about the shirt,” said Michael Savino, chairman of David D. Hammar Foundation’s board of directors. “We were then put in contact with a local artist who designed another shirt, and we’re selling that to help with proceeds as well.”

The foundation, which launched in 2007 after its namesake was tragically killed by injuries sustained when he was hit by a car while riding his bike, has branched out from its mission and expanded on the service of helping others.

Once the water receded and the storm’s devastation became apparent, the foundation stepped into action and designed a tee shirt that could be sold, with proceeds benefitting those in need.

Savino said this was a great time for the foundation to get involved, as bicycling season is not currently in session and the group is expanding on helping in other charitable ways.

Available for purchase, with proceeds going to Sandy-related efforts in Ortley Beach, include wristbands, long and short-sleeve tee shirts, and car magnets.

“The amount of devastation was just terrible,” Savino said, who now lives in Maryland after moving from Long Valley earlier this year. “We just want to be able to help in some way.”

For more information on the products and how to purchase, go here.