Sandy’s wrath was still being felt and then the nor’easter
followed in rapid succession. If you
require assistance or care to lend a hand, this letter is to keep you apprised
of new information that may benefit you, or others, in some way.
The AFT has developed
a disaster relief guide, designed, found at:
http://www.aft.org/getinvolved/hurricanerelief/index.cfm . Remember
that the AFT is a national organization, so scroll through to see what may be
specific to your needs. The relief
resources, found at http://www.aft.org/getinvolved/hurricanerelief/resources.cfm
may be particularly helpful.
Even with gas rationing, it is important to know what
stations have gas. GasBuddy has been very handy in locating stations that are
open. You can find the link for GasBuddy
at http://www.gasbuddy.com/sandy/
. Click on “Search for a Station.”
Remember that NYSUT’s
disaster relief application requires notarization. Should you need a copy of the application for
relief, please visit NYSUT at http://www.nysut.org/cps/rde/xchg/nysut/hs.xsl/members_6990.htm
,
The AFL-CIO’s blog
on Disaster recovery, found at http://www.aflcio.org/Blog/In-The-States/Hurricane-Sandy-Resources-for-New-York-Residents
, is comprehensive. Scroll down to find
specifics about United Way 2-1-1. Here’s
what they say:
“The United Way Hurricane Sandy
Recovery Fund was established to address the near-term and long-term recovery
needs of individuals, families and communities along the Eastern Seaboard that
were impacted by Hurricane Sandy’s devastation… Contributions to the Fund will
be used by local United Ways in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia,
Washington, DC and West Virginia to address hurricane recovery needs in
communities that FEMA has declared disaster areas. Text RECOVERY to 52000
to make a $10 donation (standard data and messaging rates may apply).
United
Way 2-1-1 - Please encourage your family
and friends affected by this storm to reach out to United Way 2-1-1 for
assistance, and whether they are affected or not, 2-1-1 can help connect people
with volunteer opportunities.
Visit www.211us.org to
connect with your 2-1-1 online in your state and region and follow @211us on
Twitter.”
We are continuing our cash
collection for emergency funds, provided in $50 increments, for our
members. Please consider making a
donation to assist our colleagues. In
addition, leaders will be contacting you regarding our “Adopt a Family”
concept, to provide donations to members based on “wish lists” supplied. If you have been severely impacted by the
storm and require specific items to make your lives easier, please write to
Lena. We will send your request to our members.
