We went back this Thursday and Friday. 14 people, 2 days, we got 9 homes done. I've been saying "one home at a time!" People are slowing pulling it together. Some folks still in shock. I went into 2 homes this week, that hadn't done anything! They don't know where to start and are overwhelmed.
Grown men have been moved to tears to have total strangers show up and say.. "Hey, forget it, what do you need done?". Then getting it done with a good attitude and a joke here or there. I think many miss the emotional connection of having "someone" with you. To "feel" you aren't alone. Many of these owners, older. Many seem to be second or third generation.
It breaks my heart that their years of memories are washed away. Not everyone has another 25 years to rebuild their "collections". Very sad indeed. I see them and I think, "there but by the grace of God go I". I have to help! This week I'm only getting in to help on Friday sooo hopefully, I'll get more volunteers! I hope to get our own permits this week and I am looking to work with other groups as well.
I will say, I am a bit frustrated that I see all these billions raised and I'm sure they are doing good, but Ortley not seeing much, that I know of! BODIES, able body people! That's what they need! Caring folks, that will help them though this mess. Physically and emotionally. I keep a list of the folks we've helped. IF I can find more help for them, I hook them up! I'm hoping to increase my volunteer base.
I'D love to be able to go block by block and offer help. I do know others are down there. I've seen The Mormons, Calvary Church, my founders, lol SurfRiders... but I want to see more! Less red tape and more folks helping their neighbors. I am the supreme optimist! Not a bad way to be! xo
We can't thank you enough for your help!
Thanks!
We go to Ortley every Thursday and Friday as volunteers! We call ourselves, “Weekday Warriors”. We have been clearing out homes for people in need. Most volunteers from the original SurfRiders volunteers! They were our original motivation. We are tying to get every home cleaned and cleared, one home at a time! We meet us at 9 am, at the old Food Town parking lot on Fischer Blvd, TR. (943 Fischer Boulevard Toms River, NJ 08753) Please join us! While yes, it is hard work, it is such a rewarding day. We have been clearing out homes of furniture, cabinets, sand, sheetrock and wood floors. Naturally, working as a team, a lot easier and faster! You are truly helping folks that are exhausted and overwhelmed! We work hard but we do share a few laughs! Please bring lunch. Dress in layers, as it may feel cold but as we start working, it gets warm, fast! Good, strong work boots! Old ones even better! Good work gloves, or I can supply them. Goggles, if you have them. If you have good masks please bring them. I have masks as well to share. Tools: crowbars for floors, (or whatever works best : ) small sledgehammers for walls (or whatever works best : ) I can get shovels and wheel barrels once we are in Ortley. I will bring a case of water. We start going over at 9 and we are off the Island by 3. I have permits so drag : ) or bring a friend! on Facebook: Sandy - Weekday Warrior
We will return next Thursday and Friday!
We go to Ortley every Thursday and Friday as volunteers! We call ourselves, “Weekday Warriors”. We have been clearing out homes for people in need. Most volunteers from the original SurfRiders volunteers! They were our original motivation. We are tying to get every home cleaned and cleared, one home at a time! We meet us at 9 am, at the Bell Crest parking lot on Fischer Blvd, TR. (943 Fischer Boulevard Toms River, NJ 08753) While yes, it is hard work, it is such a rewarding day. We have been clearing out homes of furniture, cabinets, sand, sheetrock and wood floors. Naturally, working as a team, a lot easier and faster! You are truly helping folks that are exhausted and overwhelmed! We work hard but we do share a few laughs! Please bring lunch. Dress in layers, as it may feel cold but as we start working, it gets warm, fast! Good, strong work boots! Old ones even better! Good work gloves, or I can supply them. Goggles, if you have them. If you have good masks please bring them. I have masks as well to share. Tools: crowbars for floors, (or whatever works best : ) small sledgehammers for walls (or whatever works best : ) I can get shovels and wheel barrels once we are in Ortley. I will bring a case of water. We start going over at 9 and we are off the Island by 3. There are port a potty’s now! I have permits so drag : ) or bring a friend! Thank you and see you!* Joan* on Facebook: Sandy - Weekday Warrior
Thank you joan*
Lets see. Whats been going on. We had 200 volunteers, and a few bobcats!, over 3 days, help dig out 101 homes in Ocean Beach III! Worked out great and we got alot of sand moved for them* Seems a lot more volunteers coming down. Mostly from Church's and they are doing a great job! Also seems, many volunteers coming down, do not have contacts, nor people to help. I've been trying to gather names to share with them. I personally do not care who does the work as long as it "just gets done!". We are almost at week 10! WOW! While so much has gotten better, the sand in the streets, PORTAPOTTY's : ) alot of trash removed, most of the appliances gone. Its still so horrible! Pictures are only one dimensional and don't come close to the reality. So we hang in there : ) We also have a commitment from a volunteer group to send 200 people to Pelican Island 1/25 to help get them back to some semi-normal! We did stop for Steak sandwich at Steaks Unlimited in Seaside! Seaside Hgts has a few places Lucky Leos, Beach Comber, Steaks Unlimted THE Original! but you have to be gone by 4! Thanks for following us! xo
We meet at 9 am, at the Bell Crest Plaza parking lot on Fischer Blvd, TR. (943 Fischer Boulevard Toms River, NJ 08753) Please join us! While yes, it is hard work, it is such a rewarding day. We have been clearing out homes of furniture, cabinets, sand, sheetrock and wood floors. Naturally, working as a team, a lot easier and faster! You are truly helping folks that are exhausted and overwhelmed! We work hard but we do share a few laughs! Please bring lunch. Dress in layers, as it may feel cold but as we start working, it gets warm, fast! Good, strong work boots! Old ones even better! Good work gloves, or I can supply them. Goggles, if you have them. If you have good masks please bring them. I have masks as well to share. Tools: crowbars for floors, (or whatever works best : ) small sledgehammers for walls (or whatever works best : ) I can get shovels and wheel barrels once we are in Ortley. I will bring a case of water. We start going over at 9 and we are off the Island by 3. There are port a potty’s now! so drag : ) or bring a friend! Thank you and hope to see you!* Joan* on Facebook: Sandy - Weekday Warrior
https://www.facebook.com/events/594132493936186/
https://www.facebook.com/SandyNJWarriors I post my event here on Facebook*