Volunteers Won't Stop Working Until All Sandy Victims Get Help
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Volunteers have been working night and day in the communities hit hardest by Superstorm Sandy, and some have even put their dreams on hold.
As CBS 2's Jessica Schneider reported, three volunteers said they plan to stick around until all residents get the help they need.
Hannah Scott has been walking the streets of Staten Island night and day. She says she comes back due to "necessity, and there's nobody else doing it."
Scott has been working alongside two other unrelenting volunteers, tracking down people who need the basics.
Scott came to Staten Island the day after Sandy hit on Oct. 29, and she has come back every day since. The damage remains daunting, and people remain in need.
Fellow volunteer Catalina Guarnieri said she thinks volunteers are "absolutely, by far" what has kept the community alive.
The women said the Red Cross can only do so much, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency can only give funds. So the volunteers have been handing out heaters and gloves a very grateful community.
"They are terrific. They are terrific," one resident said.
"I believe these ladies, and the church groups that come along, have been more helpful than the city itself," added Midland Beach, Staten Island resident Joe Hernnkind.
The women's help has been appreciated, but the number of people coming to assist has been dwindling.
"It's dropped insanely in two-week period," Guarineri said. "When it got cold, it's now just the nitty gritty. We'll keep going as long as we can."
Added Scott, "It's one house and getting a little bit done, whereas before it was about four or five houses a day."
Scott came to New York from London to pursue an acting career. Now, she is putting her dreams on hold so she can help.
"I can't turn my back, I can't," she said. "It's human lives, it's human connection. If I'm not there to pass on that connection or pass on that phone call, then I don't know who else is there to do it."
The volunteers said they will continue walking the streets as long as it takes, until everyone is taken care of.
Do you think more people should be following these women's example? Leave your comments below...
