Hundreds Of Storm Victims Turn Out For Coat, Clothing Drive On Staten Island
NEW YORK CBSNewYork) - A line of needy Staten Islanders wrapped around a vacant car dealership where a coat and clothing drive is being held.
Kars 4 Kids, along with Staten Island Rep. Michael Grimm, City Councilmember Debi Rose and local charities joined forces to help hand out 1,000 winter coats to those who lost everything in superstorm Sandy.
Nearly three months after Sandy, residents said the kindness of strangers is helping them stay warm this winter.
A vacant car dealership is packed with Staten Island residents like Toral Metha in an attempt to replace some clothes Sandy ruined or washed away.
"The winter coats - all gone," Metha told WCBS 880's Monica Miller.
Hundreds Of Storm Victims Turn Out For Coat, Clothing Drive On Staten Island
Hundreds of residents turned out to the Old Villa Mara Dealership on Highland Boulevard where, in addition to coats, donated items like linens, work boots and suits are available.
"When you lose things - not even things, homes, even morale - every little bit helps," Metha added.
Jillian Simpson works for moving company and loaded up a truck with necessities the day after the storm hit. She told Miller she hasn't stopped since.
"I do this because I'm third generation Staten Island and this is my home and that's why I do it," she said.
Louisa Sahin stopped by the coat and clothing drive to pick up some essentials. She said her basement apartment was completely destroyed in the storm.
Sahin said she and her 16-month-old daughter are still living in a hotel.
"I was able to get a few shirts and a dress," she told Miller. "After the storm, nobody has the energy or the money or whatever to go shopping so this is the only shopping that people get to do."
Sahin said she is grateful for all the donations, especially now that it's winter. But she said she needs more help to put Sandy behind her.
"You could live off of one outfit, but can't live from home to home. A house is the key for me and daughter's stability," Sahin told Miller.
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