Marathoners Bring Gifts To Spread Holiday Cheer On Storm-Ravaged Staten Island
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Some New York City Marathon runners were on Staten Island to deliver gifts to residents in areas devastated by superstorm Sandy.
The group New York Runners In Support Of Staten Island has organized more than 1,500 runners to deliver much-needed supplies and support to storm-devastated communities.
WCBS 880's Monica Miller reports
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About 100 volunteers continued their efforts Sunday morning with a "Holiday Run for Relief."
After taking the Staten Island Ferry, participants gathered at Richmond County Bank Ballpark where the Staten Island Yankees play before running to beachfront communities.
"A lot of these kids were crying, saying they saw Santa there and they said 'will he find our home?' because a lot of them have been displaced," said Jane Rogers, the president of the Staten Island Yankees.
The group members are dressed in orange and have been nicknamed 'the orange army of hope and goodwill' for their efforts since Sandy.
The volunteers delivered gift cards and teddy bears to Staten Island families for the holidays.
"Every runner is coming over here with about $100 in gift cards and four teddy bears and that's what we've asked for," participant Dr. Jordan Metzel told WCBS 880's Monica Miller.
Jen Correa's home was swept into the weeds a half mile from its foundation.
"The running community is very important to me so to have them here is great," she told Miller.
The New York City Marathon was canceled this year after much back-and-forth so resources could be focused on Sandy victims.
In the immediate aftermath of the storm, some marathoners traveled to Staten Island and other storm-ravaged communities to lend a hand.
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