Even though Uptown was mostly spared from the worst of the recent Hurricane, there are far too many parts of the city that are still devastated. My good friend, Octavio Blanco, has taken it upon himself to do his part to help out. Tomorrow morning he will be heading out to Far Rock to assist the local relief efforts, please join him if you can. See below for a note from the man himself.
I’m planning to troop it out from Uptown Manhattan (Washington Heights) to Far Rock on Saturday and wanted to put the word out to people who might be interested in joining me.
Are you interested?
Meet me Saturday morning at Starbucks on 181st and Ft Washington Ave., between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
I am planning to use public transportation, so bring stuff you can carry in bags, in a cart or backpack — if you can. There is some (but not too much) walking.
Needed: Any baby stuff you can think of! Diapers! Formula! Also batteries. Blankets. Gently used or new sweaters, (new!) socks, (new!) underwear.
More important: bring your self and your desire to work.
If you can’t make it that early, it’s OK. Last time I went I arrived at 3p and there was plenty of time to do a lot of work.
Here are directions:
– A train to Fulton St (Manhattan)
– Transfer: 5 train to Flatbush
– Transfer: Q35 Bus (Ave H) to Far Rockaway
My plan is to return to St. Francis De Sale Church: 129-16 Beach 129th st.
They had a very grassroots, but effective, process going: Drop off donations in gym, then report to volunteer table on sidewalk for work assignments. It was pretty amazing.
The video above shows the devastation immediately following the storm. It’s pretty bad and guess what? It hasn’t gotten much better yet.
LET’S DO THIS!
Related:
Hurricane Sandy: An Uptown Perspective
Pics From the People: Hurricane Sandy – The Aftermath
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